This One's For the Contemplaters

 

If you have determined from our previous article that you are in the “Contemplation” stage of fitness program compliance, you probably have the largest hurdle looming infront of you.  This very fact is enough for many to throw in the towel before you even start, because the impetus to light the fire under your bottoms has yet to be defined.  This impetus represents the hurdle itself, because if you can’t find a good enough reason to start a fitness regime, the lamest excuses will continue to be justified in your own minds.  So what is the magic spark plug that will propel you over this obstacle and have you on a first name basis with everyone in your gym??  Well, the answer varies between individuals, but it ultimately comes down to education, acceptance, belief, and motivation.  For example, if I were told that I could significantly decrease my risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease through regular exercise, I have been educated with factual information that should put exercise in the “pro” column on my notebook page.  For this information to be accepted, however, the source(s) of this information must be credible and respected, and this may require you to explore a number of different sources in order to accept these facts.  Once accepted, you must believe that your life will be better as a result of a healthier lifestyle.  This strong belief, or faith, will provide continued motivation to exercise.  Motivation also comes from the support systems around you.  The support from family and friends whom you respect is paramount for most contemplaters to succeed.  Support can be demonstrated through exercise partnership, verbal support, and the facilitation of healthier habits around home, such as removing or limiting unhealthy foods, visible checklists, and organizing fun family activities around or outside of the home.  It should be emphasized that sudden radical changes to one’s lifestyle are unlikely to create lasting adherence.  Rather, gradually implementing more subtle changes and sticking with them will increase one’s confidence in their ability to succeed in a given task, and lay the foundation for larger and more long-term goals.

 

Mike Wilson is the head trainer at PURSUIT Training and Rehabilitation.  Please call 604-574-2895, or visit www.pursuittraining.com for information on programs and services offered by PURSUIT.     

Mike Wilson

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