Are You Ready?

I have friends who, from time to time, ask me to help them get motivated to better their lives through healthy eating and exercise.  They mean well, they have good intentions, but most of the time, their hearts and minds are on two different paths when it comes to the actual dedication it takes to make this change.

Of course we all read the studies about how exercise is good for you and how eating healthier will help improve your life, but reading about it and actually following through with the requirements are worlds apart.

If you have that nagging feeling that you need to do something about the way you conduct yourself with food intake and activity output, stop and ask yourself a few questions to find out if you are ready to change it up.

What can I do to make sure I’m ready?  Ask these basic questions:

1.  How serious am I about making changes?  Anything to which you set your mind can be accomplished.  What you don’t make a priority, will become a casualty at the bottom of your “to do” list.

2.  How much time per day/days per week am I willing to devote to doing some kind of exercise?  Spending even 15 minutes per day to start with, doing something simple like taking a walk or following a short YouTube video, can lead to enormous long-term success by starting with “baby steps”.

3.  Do I surround myself with active, healthy people?  “When in Rome…”  Peer pressure can be a great help when you follow the “right” leaders.

4.  Do I want to be healthy enough to be able to enjoy what life has in store for me?  Or would I rather be a “couch potato” and see what happens?  If you have children or grandchildren,  life-long friends, and/or even a pet or two, you know events will come up in which you’ll want to be able to participate.  Keep these in mind as a little extra motivation to get started and stick with a healthy lifestyle.

5.  Am I a self-motivator or do I need to be accountable to someone?  Some people do well on their own, others need a workout/eating buddy or even a coach or trainer to help them.  Either way is good as long as you know which one you are.

If you answer these questions truthfully you’ll be able to see whether your heart and mind are heading in the same direction.  If they’re going opposite from each other, rather than beating yourself up about it, give yourself some time, go about your daily routine and come back in a few weeks and re-evaluate.  If that nagging feeling sticks around, stop and listen to yourself.  It’s probably a good sign you want and need a change.

For tips on how to get started with a safe and healthy exercise and sound eating program, contact Julia with Life in Motion Fitness.  With over 25 years of experience helping people just like you, Julia will give you the best, most qualified advice about how to get on the road to a happier, healthier you!