Starting the new year right is the goal, and for many people, this can be achieved by adopting a healthy lifestyle. They then make fitness resolutions, from cutting down on carbs and sugar to working out and being more active.
But sometimes those resolutions remain unrealized.
“As with any goal, getting started is the most difficult,” says Gertrude Gamuac-Role, who had a wake-up call in 2021. At the time, the financial advisor weighed 67 kg, which was heavy for her 4’8” frame. She also couldn’t help panting while climbing the stairs to the second floor of their house.
With the help of her niece, Gamuac-Role started her fitness journey by following the Nike Training Club app and then went back to her old passion, aerial hammock. Next, as a fan of the “Ninja Warrior” TV show, she signed up for the Spartan Race in June 2021 and, later on, Spartan Trifecta, where she completed three races in one calendar year.
She achieved her fittest form at 52 kilograms in 2022, but became complacent and didn’t work out for more than a year. She gained back the weight and decided to try the 100-day Kaizen Transformation Program, “where they will teach you foundations of fitness, have accountability buddies, and really transform your mindset.” To date, she has lost 7 to 8 kg and “feels stronger than ever!”
Her tips: “Be clear on your objective. Like me as a working mom, I want to be fit because I want to live a long, healthy life with my kids and husband.
“Just start. No matter how small, just start moving. Have mini-goals if you’re like me who quit easily. Do an activity you enjoy. I get bored easily so I try different activities. Would be great if you can be part of an encouraging community because it’s hard to do it alone especially on dip days. If you can afford it, invest in a credible coach or mentor.”
Mindset
Kirby Segwaben, an obstacle course racing coach to those taking the Spartan Race, points out, “No matter what your coach or others do or say, if your ‘why’ is not to make fitness a lifestyle, your fitness journey will be temporary and half-baked. Your mindset is the key to a successful and continuous fitness journey.”
He adds, “Before choosing a coach, learn well what a coach should be and focus on those and not just his/her achievements and certifications. Make fitness a lifestyle. Trust the process. Train hard and smart. Be a student of fitness or the sport.”
Cash Fuerte, a fitness coach and founder of the ConfiGains program, has some reminders: “Make realistic goals for your journey and remind yourself to create endless goals. And there is no fast procedure to get the results right away. If there is a fast way to do things, don’t expect it to last long.”
For those planning on hiring a coach, he advises to “always trust the process and enjoy the journey.” And when you already have a coach, he suggests to have “an open mind that each coach has a certain style of coaching their clients and have preferred practices to guide them.”
He adds, “So when you listen to your favorite fitness enthusiast or influencer, or other friends who have their own coaches, know that sometimes it’s the coach’s own personal belief, practice, or preference to approach a certain workout, diet plan, and sometimes their own personal view on fitness activities.
Don’t compare yourself with others
“Also, don’t compare your progress and results with others. Not all have the same goals, time, efforts, body type, metabolism, and other things to consider. So each individual has a specific approach to reach their goals.”
Fuerte agrees that sticking to one’s fitness resolutions can be difficult, so it’s helpful to always be reminded of why you started and how far you’ve come.
He points out, “We all started somewhere, and where we are now in our journey needed so much discipline, consistency, and dedication. Some of us encounter obstacles along the way, but those are only temporary. After all, our health is wealth, so it’s best to focus on the fuel that would keep us going in the long run.”
Yoga teacher Sheila Marie Alon agrees that committing to a fitness regimen is a challenge, especially coming from a sedentary lifestyle or fresh from the long vacation and holidays.
“So maybe my advice is to start with a goal, something easy and doable so that it’s not overwhelming,” she says, and goes on enumerating some pointers: “Set something simple. Write it down and tick off from your list. It feels good to be able to celebrate small wins by checking it off when you accomplish.
“Keep at it. They say if you do something 21 times consistently, if becomes a habit instead of a hobby. Then, if you find starting something new is challenging on your own, invite a friend to do it with you. Sometimes having partner or a BFF allows you to check or encourage each other and set goals together.
“If you find yourself slacking, rest if you need to. Maybe it’s your body telling you you need to rest. But pick up from where you left off and do it again.
“Lastly, try something new! Maybe you’ll discover something that you will enjoy, and it will not feel like it’s a lot of work because you enjoy doing it.”
No comments:
Post a Comment