All of the hoopla generated by the launching of Adam’s new book, Man 2.0 Engineering the Alpha: A Real World Guide to an Unreal Life has made me think about what it means to be fit. Being fit requires a conscious choice to live a particular lifestyle. On the surface this sounds easy. But if it was that simple, obesity would not be a nationwide health issue and the plus size clothing manufactures would be out of business.
What causes some people to pursue a lifestyle filled with activity and a healthy diet while others are content being couch potatoes and making poor food choices?
After spending a couple of days with Adam’s fitness colleagues, I couldn’t help but gawk at their lean and muscular bodies. Their clothes did not ripple across any layers of fat. Everything they wore revealed a well-defined body. In some instances, genetics lent a helping hand. Regardless, their fitness goals are considerably different than the average person. And yes, they have not reached middle age. Yet, the most important factor to remember is that they strived to achieve a body type that required more dedication than the average person desires.
The key word in the last sentence is dedication. People who choose not to be fit are not committed to achieve a healthy lifestyle. One has to be motivated in order to consistently exercise and make healthy food choices.
In recent years, I have read countless articles by Adam as well as others who spell out the health advantages for an active lifestyle and a proper diet. If it is a win-win situation, why do people continue to balk at the obvious?
I have to admit that, in the last ten years, I have fallen into this category of the uncommitted. After years and years of modeling a lifestyle of being fit, I strayed from my commitment. It was gradual at first. Initially, attending graduate school as a middle-aged mom of four sons put a premium on my time. Then, an onslaught of orthopedic injuries limited my ability to exercise. The rehabbing made some activities temporarily not possible. When I finally returned to full-strength the excuses began. Yes, I have to admit that I am the queen of excuses.
Before long my commitment to being fit had dwindled to a minimal effort. I found solace in my writing and blamed personal deadlines on my lack of effort. “I don’t have the time,” was a constant refrain.
Living in India had a profound effect on my life. The 2010 experience made me rethink the direction of my life, but it also caused an unexpected loss of weight. Layers of fat melted off my entire body as I suffered from recurrent diarrhea and dehydration. I do not recommend this method to achieve your ideal weight. However, it was amazing to be back to the size that I was in 1974.
Returning to the US brought a return to eating and bad habits. Before I knew it, I had added 5, 10, then 15+ pounds. Clothing which I purchased in India no longer fit. I needed to squeeze myself into the skinny jeans I once proudly wore. Even though I was cognizant of my expanding waistline, I remained unmotivated.
I posted signs at my desk and on my bathroom mirror. I saw the notes every day, but the words became invisible. Gentle nudges and reminders to exercise from my husband and youngest son, Jordan, were ignored as well.
I blamed it on the lack of a plan. After months of prodding Adam to create one, he sent a detailed exercise agenda by email. It remains buried in my inbox. If I have any hope of choosing to being fit, I will need to muster up the commitment I modeled years ago for my children. I exercised religiously and led a healthy existence by swimming, skiing, playing tennis, hiking and biking. Somehow I have to reintroduce this lifestyle and find a way to stick with it.The first step will be to retrieve the plan. The second will require your help. I assume that some of my blog audience can commiserate with my plight. I’m calling upon everyone who reads this blog to honestly assess his/her current lifestyle.
- Have you neglected your commitment to lead a fit lifestyle?
- Are you wearing clothes that are too tight or have you already started wearing the next size or two?
If the answer is yes, please join me in creating a network of virtual buddies who are willing to support one another by sharing information and their stories. By reaching out to others and becoming connected, there is a greater chance to succeed.
It’s easy to blame the weight gain and being out-of-shape with the aging process. Don’t!
Few expect to have a sleek body when they’re over 50. Looking like one of Adam’s fitness friends, Jen Grasso Ferruggia, is not my goal. I’m looking for a realistic plan that will result in noticeable changes, not a miraculous makeover. Oh, but the thought of a miracle is enticing.
Send me a comment and let me know if you’re interested in being part of the tribe of virtual fit buddies. Together we can work together to achieve our commitment to being fit. I’m counting on my virtual network to unite. With one another’s help we can encourage each other to remain motivated and to make choices that revolve around having a better lifestyle.
In addition to my regular blogs, I will be adding additional ones that will address this group.
I look forward to meeting my fellow tribe of virtual fit buddies. Don’t be shy.
Anyone who leaves a comment on this blog by May 12th will be eligible for a random drawing. One lucky person will receive a copy of May This Be the Best Year of Your Life: A Memoir.
Future giveaways will include healthy living items.
Sandra Bornstein is the author of MAY THIS BE THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE. It is available on Amazon.
If you enjoyed reading my memoir, consider posting a review on Amazon, Goodreads, LibraryThing and/or AskDavid.com.
I’ve been thinking about this more and more. I’ve just turned 40 and my daughter has just turned 2. Nothing has made me feel my mortality more than having her, and the sinking in my stomach now that she’s got her feet under her and is running. My problem has always been the making of excuses: I have no time, I can’t afford a gym membership, my living room doesn’t have the space for much movement now that there are toys everywhere… But I also know that it’s time to get serious in order to model the healthy living I want so much for my little girl to follow. I’d love to have a fit buddy to share the journey with.
Anna,
Thanks for being the brave “first one” to respond. I hope that we can work together as well as with others to turn our excuses into action. Recognizing the issue is the first step to moving forward.Let’s brainstorm together to find alternative ways to introduce activity in your life that doesn’t require a gym membership. Do you live in an area or near a park where you can take your daughter for a walk in a stroller?
I’m so happy that there’s another person wanting to make a difference in her life. Being a teacher makes be busy as a bee. I must admit that committing to being fit is indeed a challenge. However, according to My Kiyosaki, we must change our reality to achieve our goals. My reality is to have a healthy lifestyle. My reality is to be healthy. Now that I have that reality, I need to make an action plan. It’s been two weeks that, I’ve been lessening my carbo in take. Instead of non stop rice, I measure it and limit myself to one cup. By May 1 I’ll start with my 30 minute daily routine stretching and jogging.
It’s not going to be easy, but knowing that there are other people wanting the same goal then I’d be happy to cheer for others too!
Let’s goooooooo!!!
We can do this!!!
My target is between 120-124 by 3rd week of July. 🙂
Hi Mary Anne,
Thanks for sharing your initial plan and goals. Are you measuring more than your rice? Do you enjoy any other activities?
I agree. We can do this. I hope others will join us.
This is my first time on your blog. I saw that Adam himself tweeted about it, and I clicked on the link. I also clinked with the story. I have recently started getting my weight in order about 6 weeks ago, and I am started to feel great. Although my body has not changed much, my mind is stronger than it was before. I’m made a twitter account to follow only people who inspire me and my fitness goals, and I tweet about my journey, both the good and the bad. I am only 19, but I want to really get my fitness life in order. We can help each other.
Hi Brooke,
Welcome. Being fit should not be age dependent. Just like learning, it should be a lifelong endeavor. To stay on track takes motivation. Together we can help one another avoid the excuses that make it easy to forgot the commitment. What was the first step you took to get your weight in order?
Hi Sandra;
I am currently working with Adam but would love to join the group. I am over 50 and still working on that body we dream about. Adam is outstanding and one of my life goals is on the horizon (scary stuff) I am currently going through treatment for breast cancer. I think your group would be a great addition to help me reach my goals in health and wellness. If you think it is a conflict I understand.
Mary Beth
Hi Mary Beth,
It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m glad that you want to join the group. Everyone will work together. Welcome aboard.
I think that the virtual support idea is amazing and I have seen the effects of this outside the fitness industry. Other movements such as the retired Lovebomb.com have demonstrated how virtual support can be very powerful. Offering online support is one of the key ideas I have while putting my fitness site together because of this.
If I can help in any way please let me know.
Nick (@FASTrainingco)
Hi Nick,
I’m glad to hear from you. I agree that virtual support can be a powerful tool. I look forward to communicating with you in the future.
Hi Sandra – I started a company to remove a lot of these barriers that get in the way of people and their health. Would love to be a part of your mission in any way I can. Happy to help. 🙂 http://www.bodeefit.com
Adam, Thanks for touching base and sharing your website. I hope that we can work together to promote a virtual dialogue that inspires people to be fit. Have a great day.
Sandra, I am obsessed with lifting heavy weights (for a woman), as I used to be a personal trainer before I published Freeways to Flip-Flops.
I am 55, and now stop when something hurts, but as I grew up in France, and eat the French way, I know I have to “earn” my calories. I know a 53-year-old at my gym with a pace-maker and her 2nd hip replacement, and she asked her husband to bring the weights to the hospital so she could workout in the bed. Now that’s a little crazy, and the worst part is she’s limping and won’t slow down. All the best with working out. As you say, it’s a lifestyle that we have to make a choice about.
Sonia, It’s interesting to see people’s attitudes regarding fitness. Some, like your friend, tip the scale and go overboard in their pursuit to be fit. Having had a hip replacement, I know firsthand the limitations that are part of the recuperating process. I hope she listens to her body. From my perspective, moderation is always the key. Too little emphasis on being fit requires an injection of motivation. An excessive drive to be fit needs to be met with a dose of reality. Is this reasonable? Hopefully, everyone will make the appropriate choice.I hope you will contribute to this site by sharing your motivation skills.