Today, digital high-definition television bolsters fitness commercials that mesmerize viewers into another hopeful program. Yes, most of us have exercise gadgets collecting dust. Despite our excitement, that perfect program failed to tighten abs, melt fat and get us into those denim jeans. Excitement was not enough to keep us engaged, and we feel like a defeated endurance runner ready to hit the wall.
Rest assured throwing in the workout towel is not the answer. None of us like to wrestle with change. Perhaps that’s why sometimes it’s difficult to tackle spiritual baggage. We pray for patience and peace only to find ourselves irritated and worried. Faith is a process and carrying out lifestyle changes is also a process.
ADJUST THE PLAN
When people find enjoyment in their workout then motivation and commitment follow. Some consider joining a gym, participating in outdoor activities or the convenience of a home program. After careful thought, their mind is made up and physical engagement thrives. Likewise, as we grow in faith, we mentally lock into a truth and align our actions to conform to that truth. Consider what you like and dislike about your current workout and adjust the plan. Don’t force yourself to keep doing what you absolutely hate. Negativity will eventually cause disengagement.
As you begin, remember to keep it simple, practical, and measurable. Whether outdoor, indoor, conventional or adventurous don’t complicate your plan. Decide what you can reasonably do and how you will track your progress. You can track the days you workout, miles you walk, calories you burn, or how many repetitions and sets you complete. Get advice, hire a trainer or ask friends. Once you decide, write down your plan.
Measure your progress in 90-day intervals and avoid an open-ended goal. When you meet your first 90-day plan add or change one part of your next 90-day plan. Perhaps you enjoy a walk after work three times a week. At the end of 90 days you can change your walk to a jog or add fifteen minutes of resistance training. Whatever you decide, your plan will reinforce a habit of fitness and you’ll be less likely to hit the wall.
EXPECT DISTRACTIONS
Even the best plan has glitches. When we accept distractions as part of life, we can offset the temptation to quit with a backup plan. Much like our faith, we may read inspirational text day after day and wonder how it connects with our situation. Then, without any warning we find ourselves confronting difficulty and we remember the exact quote needed to carry us through. Think of obstacles that could sabotage your workout and then find alternative solutions. Add this to your 90-Day plan (See 90-Day Track Sheet). Remember, the discipline we embrace today will prepare us for tomorrow. Let’s look at three common unrelenting rivals, Fatigue, Apathy and Time (better known as FAT).
FATIGUE plagues our culture with demands that increase every day. One definition describes fatigue as “the temporary loss of power to respond…” The Bible tells us that Jesus knew when to retreat and rest even with unfinished work. If health is a high priority not only for wellness but to live out our God given purpose we should consider what keeps us so busy. Look at your present schedule and find work that needs new ownership and allow yourself more recovery time. Ask yourself if other tasks will remain important six months or even a year from now. Invest your energy and avoid the path that leads to burn out.
APATHY often results from mental disengagement creating emotional havoc. That’s when planned alternatives come in handy. If you have more time on the weekend, instead of plodding through your workout, try a fitness class or look into a boot camp. If you feel unsocial buy a workout DVD and try something different like Yoga, Bosu, Pilates or dance. A DVD can also serve as a great backup when winter weather forces you inside. Stay mentally motivated by listening to audio books and keep up with your reading goals while you workout.
TIME has not changed since creation and we read in the Bible that God recognized it was good. So time is not the issue. We can’t pause or stop time but we can choose how we spend our time. A few minutes of planning each day can save you hours. Brian Tracy, author of Goals, writes: "Every minute you spend in planning saves 10 minutes in execution; this gives you a 1,000 percent Return on Energy!" Schedule your workout as an appointment in your calendar. You’ll find it easier to keep your appointment, convenient to reschedule and blaringly obvious when you consider deletion.
– Gives you more energy
– Helps in coping with stress
– Improves your self-image
– Increases resistance to fatigue
– Helps counter anxiety and depression
– Helps you to relax and feel less tense
– Improves the ability to fall asleep quickly and sleep well
– Provides an easy way to share an activity with friends or family and an opportunity to meet new friends
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SUPPORT
Statistically, women stick to their fitness program when they recruit support. Check with coworkers, church friends, family or even your online friends on Facebook. Start your own fitness support group and ask each person to contribute their area of talent. If one woman loves to shop, she may enjoy the role as Bargain Diva and find sales on sportswear. Another could become the Culinary Guru and share healthy recipes. If you have a social butterfly among you, she would be great at finding local recreational opportunities, nonprofit relays, or health events. Share ideas, save time and expand your wealth of knowledge. The variety will keep you engaged and you won’t hit the wall of boredom.
REWARD YOUR EFFORTS
Each milestone is a reminder that conditions do not dictate your life but rather, choices guide you. The self-control and patience you practice may seem subtle, but it will groom you toward physical health and spiritual maturity. You’ll have the energy to carry out the desires of your heart. That is worth celebrating so reward your efforts. Don’t be stingy; buy new fitness apparel, equipment or just something fun. Your support group may want to join you and plan a day at the spa or perhaps an out-of-town day trip. It takes commitment and courage not to quit so enjoy the reward.
WHEN WE HIT THE WALL
Consistency isn’t always easy but each day offers a fresh start and an opportunity to make a new choice. Eventually, it will pay huge rewards. John C. Maxwell, author of Today Matters, states, “Each choice is a crossroad, one that will either confirm or compromise [your] commitments…”
Perhaps God knew we would occasionally hit the wall in life’s race so we’re encouraged in the Bible to keep our focus on Him and we won’t become weary or discouraged. As we move forward in faith and fitness don’t hesitate if you’re about to hit the wall, jump over it, maneuver around it or bulldoze through it; but never give up!
