Lexington, KY - I'm often asked what the secret is to a successful exercise program. People are interested in what I think is the best type of exercise, or the ideal time to workout, or the best gym. They are always disappointed when they hear me say the best choice is whatever exercise you will do, whatever time you will workout, and whatever gym you will go to. There isn't a best, there is only you and your commitment.
Now you can begin to see the problem. It's the dreaded fear-of-commitment disease. Many of us should be ashamed of ourselves. We completely take for granted the fact that we can even think about working out and improving our health. We whine about being overweight and out of shape and do nothing about it, without even realizing how lucky we are to have the luxury of having the choice to exercise or not.
Millions of people have no choice. Millions of people would love the opportunity to be able to commit time and dollars toward an activity (exercise) that has been scientifically proven to reduce the incidence of every major disease, including all types of cancer. But, they can't because they are too busy trying to provide food and shelter for themselves and their loved ones. Millions of people would love the opportunity to be physically able to exercise, but they can't because of an injury or sickness that prevents them from doing so.
We forget that most of us have a choice to be good to our bodies or not. We forget what a gift that choice is. We forget that making a commitment to engage in an exercise program to maximize our health is not a burden, but a luxury.
Why is it that so many of us do not embrace this luxury and take advantage of that opportunity? Why is the thought of committing to an exercise program and taking control of how our body looks and feels a loathsome thought instead of an exciting one?
Maybe it's the same reason why so many of us don't view our access to education, healthcare, jobs and money with the appreciation that we should. We are spoiled.
We have so much and access to so much more. Maybe that's the burden - too many choices. Don't want to exercise and watch your weight? No problem, just have gastric bypass surgery or liposuction. Don't want to control your eating? That's OK, just pay a company to put you on a liquid diet every time your weight gets out of control. I could go on and on.
If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to engage in an exercise program to maximize your health, please take advantage before the opportunity leaves you. Don't think about making a commitment to exercise as much as you think about making a commitment to yourself and your family. Commit yourself to being the healthiest person you can be, within your limitations of time, money and health.
Don't put off taking care of yourself any longer. Take control of your body, of your health, for no other reason than because you can. See the gift and grab it. I can't promise it will be the easiest thing you will ever do, but I can promise it will be one of the most rewarding things you ever do. Try it and see.