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Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Sticking With It
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Is exercise easy? No. But I’ve decided that sticking with an exercise program DOES come down to two very simple issues - 1) actually beginning each exercise session, and 2) actually finishing each exercise session.
Seriously. Take a look at past efforts that have failed. In my case, they failed because I quit going. I quit going because either I thought I had better things to do, or I was not inspired to do what I was there for and left. And then I just quit going altogether. See a little bit of yourself in that?
This is why I’ve found a personal trainer to be such a valuable part of the equation. First, when you have a personal trainer, you have a scheduled time and place to do your exercise. It’s on your calendar. So while you may think, “I should just return this phone call for work” or “My son really wants me to take him to the movie,” you look at your calendar, and there it is - an appointment. Something on your calendar that tells you “No more phone calls this afternoon” or “Johnny’s just going to have to wait to see that movie.” And you go exercise. Half the battle is won!
Now, you’re at the gym. You’re thinking “Ugh, I don’t feel like doing this” or “I should have taken Johnny to that movie.” In the past, that was all it took for me to say to myself, “I’m outta here!” which then led to that slippery slope called Quitsville. But with a trainer counting your reps, telling you which weights to lift and how, are you going to justify putting those weights down and walking out the door? Of course not! You press on until you are finished. And there’s one more successful day under your gradually loosening belt.
So, not only does a trainer provide the knowledge, supervision, program development and other things I’ve talked about in past blogs. But simply by “being there,” he or she helps you deal with these simple but often difficult-to-overcome mental roadblocks, helping you stick with it and reach your goal!
I’ve been exercising regularly and vigorously for more than three months, and I have no desire to quit. An all-time record for me sticking to an exercise program! Thanks, Fitness Together Sandy Springs!
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