The First Time
I remember the first fitness class I ever took like it was yesterday. It was 1992, and I was tucked at the back of the class in the University of Guelph gym. It was a step class and I hadn’t a clue what was going on. I had very little coordination and even less confidence. After step was an ab class that I thought would kill me.
The next day I could barely move, let alone walk to classes and sit down comfortably! I remember that soreness so vividly, and I also remember being embarrassed by how sore I was. It was a real eye-opener as to how out of shape I really was. It was then I thought about smartening up - easing up on the university binge drinking and quitting smoking (that didn’t actually happen until 1994).
If you’re just starting out, go easy on yourself, physically and mentally. It didn’t take you 4 weeks to get out of shape, so it won’t take 4 weeks to get into shape. Changing your body and lifestyle happens best with small steps. Don’t beat yourself up, and mentally ease into your new lifestyle changes.
Trust me, I know what it’s like to embark and a transformation and it’s not an easy journey. Be strong, be confident in yourself, and treat yourself like the great person you are.
Live Fit,
Max
Every Body is Different
“Max, I want your arms.” I hear this a lot as an aerobics instructor. What a compliment!
Unfortunately, it’s my duty as a Personal Trainer to tell you that my arms are my arms, and your arms are your arms. Obviously there are differences between them from genetic, to training, to nutrition. Can we work towards this goal of stronger looking arms? You bet! You’ll see changes and improvement once we develop a strategy that includes weight training and nutrition.
A lot of people are insecure about their bodies, which leads to comparisons with others. Having everyone in workout clothes and bare-armed at the club usually heightens the comparisons. If you’re a “comparer”, try a day without doing it. Admire another’s body and think “Wow, good for them.” Maybe even approach them and ask what their program consists of. Try NOT thinking “Wow, I wish I could look like that.” That’s by default a negative thought, and getting down on yourself is not where we want to go.
Try picking a body part that you really like, or the fact that you’re really flexible, or the fact that you are committed to working out x-times per week. Focus on something positive about you that you like rather than wishing you had something else. By all means, continue to work on your goals and strive for improvement, but go about it positively. Your frame of mind is crucial to your success!!
Live Fit,
Max
The Meaning of Fitness
What does being fit mean? Ultimately, there is no ‘right’ definition, and everyone will answer the question differently. One person may decide that being fit means being able to walk 3 miles. Someone else may decide that it means they can bench press 200 lbs. Another may think being fit means they can walk up 3 flights of stairs comfortably. You get my drift… But somehow many people feel they are not ‘fit’ enough. They have too much jiggle, not enough definition, not strong enough, not this, not that… ultimately, not perfect enough.
We are bombarded with images daily (and most of these are photo-shopped like mad - an extra muscle cut here, more abdominal definition there). Check out a magazine like Oxygen and there are contest-ready super-cut babes all throughout. It’s enough to make you think you’re simply not enough - period.
Take a moment, though, and think about what being fit, and what being fit enough, means to you. Take control and define it for yourself. Set your goals accordingly.
It’s so important that we relish our achievements and live in the moment. Sure, most of us have room for improvements here and there, but celebrate your fitness successes today. Enjoy your body’s ability every time you work out and appreciate the physical struggle as you work towards you next goal. Put the work in, enjoy the challenge, appreciate your ability - don’t get stuck in the rut of “I’m not … enough”.
Live Fit,
Max