Many people join gyms or buy gym equipment because they are aware (often through the media pressure) of the need to exercise and keep the body moving to stave off illness and retain good health. For the first few weeks or months, it’s a new ‘thing’ so the motivation is there and because they are exercising they often lose weight and everything is great. However unless they really enjoy the activity, sooner or later there will come a point when the motivation just goes. For some this might be a gradual process where class attendance or gym visits become less frequent and something else gets given priority. For others the boredom point comes quickly because they have embarked upon their fitness journey knowing deep down that they aren’t going to enjoy it, but start because they know they should do something. For some, even joining a gym but never using it, makes them feel better because they have made some effort to keep fit. Only a small percentage of the population are super motivated individuals who will stick with a gym routine forever, exercising regulary 3 times a week. For most the idea of going to a gym 3 times a week for the rest of their lives is difficult to comprehend.
The truth is that the human body is designed to move all of our lives, and as soon as we stop moving this sends powerful triggers to the brain that something is wrong. Prolonged periods of inactivity leads to the body storing fat, muscle weakness, lack of energy, fatigue and eventually illness as the body starts to slowly shut down. Modern sedentary lifestyles support this situation and therefore in order to live longer and healthier lives, we must do something to change the signals we are sending our brains. Physical activity is the only way to trigger the brain into signalling the body to come to life and re-energise the body. Of course there are no guarantees to perfect health and longevity, there are always examples of those who have smoked and drunk all their 90 odd years of life! Good genes are a factor in good health and longevity, but modern science is proving that good genes are a smaller factor than first thought and a person can have a much greater impact on his/her health and longevity through their own lifestyle choices. Lifestyle choices obviously include exercise, but also diet is equally important and a person’s psychological approach to life weighs heavily in the importance stakes too.
It is important, before we begin any physical activity that mentally we acknowledge the priority we should place on health. The following saying is very approriate; lose your money, you lose nothing, lose your reputation, you lose something, lose your health, you lose everything. We should all make time in our lives, everyday to do at least 30 minutes of exercise, even if that is a brisk walk. Once we have prioritised health, it is then crucial to find an exercise regime that will be fun and challenging for life. Class activities are good, because then there is the social interaction with others and friendships can be made who will motivate each other. Another important factor is the mental and physical stimulation and challenge. Often the activities which keep most students longest are those where there is constant variation and a constantly changing goal which is subjective to the individual. Many people want to feel that they can actually do the activity i.e it’s not elitest. But also once engaged and competent, they need to feel challenged and progressing towards a goal. Lots of smaller goals along the journey to a final goal can often work very well. An open minded approach is also important. Have a go at something new without forming any pre-suppositions. A closed minded approach will stop you from finding that perfect exercise class.
Happy exercising