The concept of sustainability is on most or our minds due to the dire need to keep our planet in balance. We can transfer this mindful concept to fitness regimens, as it is essential that we keep our bodies in balance for quality of life and longevity. Finding a program that takes into consideration the future not just the present moment of getting in shape fast is the key to exercise compliance, which leads to sustainability.
Despite all of the hype promoted by gyms, infomercials, celebrities, friends and family, if a fitness regimen is not for you, you won’t stick with it.
How do you find what you can sustain among the myriad of exercise programs and classes available out there? You’ve got to find what triggers joy and excitement in you. It will most likely suit your natural biorhythms and body type.
There is a saying in athletics; we don’t find our sport, our sport finds us.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you start investigating who you are and who you are not.
Becoming conscious of what triggers passion in you will help lead you to your true fitness calling.
1- What sport did I like to do as a kid? What sport did I hate?
2- What sport did I fantasize and maybe still fantasize being a champion in?
3- What tempo do I live by? What tempo can’t I live by?
4- Am I a group person or more of a loner?
5- Do I like to sweat? Do I hate to sweat?
6- Do I love to dance at weddings? Do I hate to dance at weddings?
7- What music do I like? What music do I hate?
8-Am I self motivated? Do I need bit of prodding?
- If you’re a loner, love to sweat and like speed you might try running or cycling.
-If you hate loud booming music and hate to dance at weddings, you guessed it; you might not want to tag along with a friend to a Hip-Hop class.
-If you love to dance to the beat and love groups try Zumba, Hip-Hop or take a Salsa lesson.
-If you always wanted to be Mickey Mantle and love groups find yourself a softball league and join a team.
-If you need a little prodding, like the idea of cross training and like personalized attention you might hire a Personal Trainer.
You get the idea.
I was an armchair figure skater my entire life dreaming of twirling on the ice as I watched the sport on television. For a year I sat in the stands watching my son skate until I got the courage to ask his coach for a lesson. I was 50. I now skate 5 days a week and travel around the world to compete. I love groups, I love to dance, I’m very musical, I had been an actress and I am fulfilling a lifelong dream. Figure skating is the perfect sport for me.
Please note that this article is not written to pigeon hole you or stop you from trying something outside of your comfort zone. It’s written to make you aware that fitness is an extension of yourself and should reflect that. Your time is precious. Spend it doing something you LOVE to do, not something that you feel you HAVE to do! It will make the choice to exercise easy, effortless and sustainable for a lifetime.
