Exercise provides opportunities for experimentation

Busy Bodies

By: Kelly Gonzalez

Posted: 5/1/08

What does it mean to you to be fit? By definition fitness means to be suited for, to be capable of completing a task. You can be fit to pass your chemistry final or fit to run a marathon. Although, these two examples are on different ends of the spectrum they both require you to put in the necessary work to complete the task and leave you with a sense of achievement.

When it comes to exercise it's the same thing - you put in hard work, and even though it was tough, you're glad you did it when it's over. The physical benefits of exercise are obvious- greater strength, more muscle tone, reduction of body fat levels, weight management, but often times our society puts too much emphasis on the vanity results of exercise.

In terms of health, fitness means to achieve optimal health not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. I often tell my clients that it's important to not only set goals for yourself regarding the way you look in the mirror, but also set goals that allow you to achieve something physically you thought you could never do like run a 10K road race. Losing ten unwanted pounds can give you a sense of achievement, but completing a race can do that and more.

Too often I hear, "I could never do that." My first response is, "have you ever tried?" How can you achieve physical fitness and meet those goals if you're not emotionally and mentally fit? Fitness is a package deal. You have to believe that you can.

The great thing about exercise is that each workout presents you with a challenge and opportunity to gain confidence. It may be a challenge to get out your front door or the final minutes may be difficult, but once completed you've succeeded and met your goal. Then you build on that. Next time you go a little bit longer or a bit harder, not only is body adapting and changing due to stimulus, but your mindset is changing as well.

My philosophy is not to workout, but to train. If you change your focus from trying to achieve a certain weight or physical appearance to accomplishing a goal like making a team or completing a race you can reap many benefits, and an improved physical appearance is just icing on the cake.

Summer is right around the corner, and with more free time it's the perfect time to train for something and turn that "I can't" into "I will." There are many athletic events like triathlons, running races, bike races, open water swims, and other hobbies to try.

A benefit of training for something is that it gives you motivation to exercise and prepare. You have a set date on your calendar that you need to be ready by. Who wants to go out and compete and do poorly? I know I don't. Therefore, you're more likely to stick to a program whether you're swimming your laps three times a week or logging miles. You are able to measure your performance in time, distance, or how you felt rather than a number on the scale.

There are many training groups available in most areas for almost any activity. It can be an excellent way to meet new people and build relationships. Check online for weekly running groups or find sport specific training centers. If you recruit a friend or family member to train with you it can be a bonding experience. Sign yourself and your Dad up for a summer 5k. To make it interesting make a bet on who will win. You may get some money out of the deal.

Training for an athletic competition can also be the trick to making daily exercise a lifelong habit. Preparing to do well in an athletic event isn't something that you can do overnight if you're truly challenging yourself. Therefore, you have to put in a good amount of time into your workouts each week. Your body gets used to this, and even after the event is over you will be more likely to keep training to do better each go around or train for another event.

By the time your training cycle is complete and you are ready to compete in that triathlon, road race or whatever you choose you will notice a difference in your body.

The bottom line is that you imposed an increased demand on your body and confused your muscles by asking them to do something new; that is the key to getting physical results.

I have found the greatest pleasure in trying new things. I trained for marathons, triathlons, lacrosse, track, beach running events, etc. and have discovered a lot about myself in these different ventures. You learn about your body, what nutrition works best for you, but most of all you gain a sense of confidence and happiness. It's a feeling of knowing that you can do it if you put in the work.

This summer instead of slaving away on the elliptical machine for 45 minutes every day and performing the same old lifting routine each week to be in bathing suit shape, break out of your comfort zone and set a goal for yourself to do something new and exciting.

Learn to surf, train for a fall marathon or become a yoga master.

There are a ton of possibilities so find something you enjoy that is challenging and rewarding. It can give you whole different perspective on fitness and enhance your life.