Looking to get active in new year? You don’t need an app for that
As one year transitions to the next, better-living lists saturate the media.
Not to disappoint, here are a few reminders from the past year to help with your new year’s resolutions.
Don’t: Buy a yoga mat.
Namaste! Before a tirade of angry-yet-flexible blows rain down upon my head, hear me out.
Fitness has become much too commercial. Mats, water bottles, watches, supplements, books. All fluff, no action. According to the stats, our spandex-clad population is growing bigger by the minute — literally.
I’ve heard many excuses for exercise truancy — and not having a well-stocked accoutrement of exercise regalia is right up there.
Do: Pick one behaviour that you are going to change.
Make it easy, accessible and doable. Here’s a novel idea: go for a walk.
For added resistance, sling a yoga mat over your shoulder, balancing a skinny, vente latte in the opposite hand while monitoring steps on your smartwatch. How do people function without an integrated step management system? Medieval! Don’t: Join a gym.
For gym owners, the perfect customer is the one that never shows up — like you! Just kidding. Like “your friend.” Donors like “your friend” keep the really fit people outfitted in the most up-to-date exercise equipment.
“This is Chad. Without your generous donation, he wouldn’t be able to maintain the ripped physique to which he has become accustomed. Don’t let Chad lose muscle mass. Give now!”
Do: Look into exercise alternatives.
If you enjoy gyms, by all means, sign up. If the mere thought of free weights fires your flight response, think of something less intimidating. Home equipment and boutique studios have become a popular, less intimidating alternative.
Don’t: Get a tattoo.
Yes, you’re a beast, but the lifealtering change you’re looking for isn’t a life-size image of your cat permanently etched on your thigh.
Do: Try eating healthy — even if it’s just for a few weeks.
Non-processed food clears your head and gives you a different perspective. Maybe the life change you’re looking for is in the shape of lettuce — that’s the green stuff you’ve been pulling off your hamburger.
Don’t: Copy the “stars.”
“You can look just like me in my new book entitled Look Like Me! Scientists don’t even know this stuff. What do scientists know? They don’t even look good in beachwear! The introduction was written by my plastic surgeon — he’s a real doctor! Follow me on Instagram.”
Do: Listen to that little voice in your head.
You know this stuff is all hype, so stop falling for it!
Don’t: Change your car’s oil or get your hair coloured.
At least not until you’ve addressed the things that make a real difference, like diet and exercise.
Do: Reassess your priorities.
Religious about car and hair maintenance? Take a minute to examine priorities. Hopefully you will be around a lot longer than your car or your original hair colour.
If you spare no expense on material things, but refuse to spend a minute on your health, give your head a shake.
Don’t: Hire a trainer.
At least not without researching consumer ratings and credentials.
Do: Hire a trainer.
Once you’ve researched consumer ratings and credentials, of course. Fitness is as confusing as social media (can someone please explain hashtags in a way that makes sense!) Unless you’re versed in the intricacies of human ergonomics, physiology, adult learning and psychology, you need a Sherpa to guide you through the fog.
Don’t: Listen to what you think your doctor is saying.
What does she know anyway? All she does is prescribe pills.
Do: Remember all those times your doctor recommended losing weight, eating better and exercising.
You didn’t heed her advice then and now you’re stuck with pills that have a host of unwelcome side-effects.
Research recently published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggested that exercise may be just as effective as drugs at lowering high blood pressure (and dealing with a host of other ailments.) As a bonus, all side-effects have positive consequences.
Hey, here’s a novel idea — ask your doctor if exercise and healthy eating is right for you. After they pick themselves up off the ground, you can discuss strategies.
When pondering your goals for 2019, go with common-sense solutions. The best answers are often the simplest.
Paul Robinson has enjoyed 30 years as a personal trainer, executive, speaker and consultant in the fitness industry. He owns Kneifel Robinson (KR) Personal Training with his partner Monica Kneifel Robinson, serving St. Albert & Edmonton. KR specializes in helping beginners, boomers and gym-phobics achieve success in studio and online. You can reach them at info@krpersonaltraining.com