Re-evaluating Priorities: A Closer Look at the Benefits of Fitness

by Doug Jackson, M.Ed.,CSCS

September 24, 2004

(Quick note: I am now accepting personal training clients in Weston, Florida. Limited spots available. Fill out the online consultation request to apply.)

I hope you find this article thought provoking. It's filled with some important ideas to think about and questions to ask yourself. The content in this article is the end result of my years contemplating two major misconceptions of non-exercisers.

When you get done reading it, I'd love to hear your feedback on this one. Let me know what you think and feel free to share any personal anecdotes you may have.

Fitness Misconceptions

Fitness...working out intensely for hours each day just to stay lean, have some muscles, and look good (maybe great) naked.

To many non-exercisers, this is how fitness is perceived. They will say something to the effect of "those exercisers are so narcissistic and superficial. I don't need to look like a cover model to feel good about myself. I want to be liked for who I am, not how I look. I'm comfortable with myself, why should I spend all of that time exercising."

From non-exercising mothers, I typically hear the defensive statement, "I have other commitments. I work all day and I'm going to spend time with my kids at night. It would be selfish of me to put my self first."

Okay, there are essentially two misconceptions here that I want to clarify.

1) Fitness is superficial.

2) Spending time exercising is selfish when there are other commitments to attend to.

The rest of this newsletter will address why I strongly disagree with people who believe these two ideas.

1) Misconception: Fitness is superficial.

First, I'll concede that many people begin exercising for superficial reasons, however I know that's not what keeps them going. Why?

Because at the core, fitness helps us become better people in addition to the wide variety of physical benefits. Simply put, people that are physically fit live every day with a higher level of mental and physical functioning than people who are not fit.

Research studies show us that even if we discarded all of the physical benefits, exercise is an invaluable aide in psychological health. It improves our mood. It increases our self-confidence through multiple pathways. Studies have shown it to be as beneficial as prescription anti-depressants...without all of the negative side effects.

As we get fit, we feel more productive and successful. As our bodies and minds transform, people in our environment perceive us and treat us differently. The changes which exercise stimulates serve as a platform for many more successes.

I'm not overstating the issue when I say that fitness can transform not only your body, but your life. I know because I've been there. I know because I've seen my clients reap the multitude of benefits. They are benefits that are accessible to everyone, but they must be earned.

I know that in writing this commentary in Fitness Empowerment, I'm preaching to the choir. However, maybe this will serve as a stimulus to help you commit to lifetime fitness.

Maybe you will pass this along to a friend or relative that will read it and finally take action, change their health and fitness habits, and change their life. ----------------

2) Misconception: Spending time exercising is selfish when there are other commitments to attend to.

To me, this sounds like an excuse mixed in with some self-delusion.

Let's make this clear: Fitness is NOT selfish.

How could taking care of your body be selfish?

Smoking is selfish. Gluttony is selfish. Ignoring and disregarding fitness and health is selfish. Not being a role model of health for children is selfish. Becoming sick and ill due to negligence is selfish. Allowing one's body to crumble to nothing due to lack of activity is selfish. Making one's family responsible for medical bills related to diseases of inactivity is selfish. Making a family attend an early funeral is selfish.

Fitness is not selfish. Taking care of your body through fitness is one of the greatest gifts you could give someone else.

Think back to those in your life who could have lived longer if they had taken care of their body. What would you give to have them back...happy and healthy? Don't make your relatives ask the same questions because you ignored your own health and fitness.

Fitness needs to be a priority.

As you can imagine, I hear every excuse imaginable as to why this person and that person can’t stick to a workout.

I usually respond saying, "I don't care."

It's not that I don't care. It's that I do care. I don't want to hear the excuses when I know how much a proper fitness program could help someone. -----------------------

Take a minute to contemplate the following questions:

Are you treating yourself and your body the way you deserve to be treated?

Are you more fit or less fit than you were yesterday? Last week? Last month? Last year? 10 years ago?

Will your future actions make you more fit tomorrow? Next week? Next month? Next year? 10 year from now?

You're either progressing or regressing. Where is your current lifestyle leading you?

If you don't like the picture you see,change it. It's never too late to change. Do it now. If you need help, allow me to help you reach your goals. Remember, we can all obtain the rewards of fitness, but they must be earned.

If you are already enjoying the rewards of fitness, I commend you. Who do you know right now who needs help reaching their fitness goals? What will you do to help them? Referring them to a qualified fitness professional is a wise choice.

Life is short, live it to the fullest and treat your temple well. It's your responsibility to yourself and the greatest gift you could give to those around you.

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