Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The Most Important Part of Your Exercise Routine Is Y-O-U

I'll admit that one of the hardest parts of getting into a fitness routine is actually starting one. Many of us look in the mirror and make a mental judgment of how much we have to do in order to get to our "ideal" size and we feel overwhelmed. It is in that moment we manage to kill any chance we have at succeeding because we have already decided the outcome won't be positive or quick enough in coming.

It's an easy train of thought to fall into when you've spent years neglecting your body.

However, trust me when I tell you that there's not a woman or man alive who wants to look in the mirror and not like what they see. We are all vain in that aspect, and none of us wish to feel as if the beautiful canvas God gave us is somehow marred.

That said the solution to the above problem is a simple one—although many of us fail to recognize it—stop self-sabotaging your goals.

Does that sound too easy? Too cliche'? Sorry, but it's the plain truth.

We all make far too many excuses for why we choose (and understand in most instances it is a choice) not to exercise: no time, no money, no energy, no space, etc. Give. Me. A. Break!

Two things are required to cultivate a successful exercise routine: you and your body's weight. All of the special gadgets you see others using (weights, mats, bikes, elliptical machines, gyms, etc.) are just aids. Those things might help give you focus when deciding how to personalize your personal routine, but none of them are necessary for you to reach your goals.

Your body weight gives you the best challenge to building strength because you have to be able to control it as well as execute the moves. I can lift a 25 pound dumbbell 10 times with no problem, but if you challenge me to do 20 push-ups, I might need a break. Why? Because you not only have to concentrate on lifting it, but doing so with proper form as well—and that's not easy.

If you're worried about a lack of cardio, how about running in place while watching your favorite television show or doing mountain climbers in 30-second intervals. Have some stairs in or just outside of your home, use them as your stairmaster.

Want to build better buns? Try lunges...with weights.

Creativity is a great asset to developing a challenging routine that can bring you great results.

Don't believe me, just take a look at this guy...no weights, no gym, and no supplements. He's a work of art and he formed the foundation for that body by using whatever he had in and around his home. Oh and, by the way, he's almost 50.

My point is simple, there is no excuse for not exercising. If you can move, you can lose. It is that simple. And while I don't expect any of us to be able to duplicate what Herschel Walker was able to do, his dedication to doing a body weight workout everyday should serve as an inspiration for those of you still struggling to get off the sofa.

Now, get out there and move something!

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