When we think of passion, we envision two people that simply adore one another. How does that adoration change when it is translated to an inanimate object, like a bike or a pair of shoes? How does that adoration translate to more of an idea than a tangible object?
Often times, we look at exercise as a means to an end. "I've got to start exercising more so I can lose 30 pounds." "I signed up for a 5k and now I have to start running more to get in shape." "I've got to lift more so my friends and family realize how hard I've been working at the gym." These are all great examples of exercise being the short-term solution to a long-term problem.
One of the most devastating forms of exercising as a means to an end, to me, is when I see ads that tout “lose 30 pounds in one month without exercise!” Seems easy enough, right? What we should think about is - what happens beyond that month? Say the pill works and one month later you are 30 pounds less, what happens now? Do you continue taking the pills to keep losing weight, or do you stop and risk losing it all? Neither answer is sustainable or healthy.
You either end up riding the roller coaster of gaining and losing that weight for the rest of your life, or you end up malnourished because your body is so thin from weight loss and lack of exercise.
Health and wellness is in our DNA; we were born to move. It was never a question of IF, but HOW we should move. This is where passion comes in. There are so many ways to move and exercise that we shouldn’t find ourselves without a passion for at least one of them. Use the Olympics as inspiration, those athletes and fellow humans have found a passion to move and you can too!
All else fails, try a little of everything! You can’t knock it if you don’t try it. There’s an old saying that comes to mind, “if you love what you do, you don’t work a day in your life.” If you love what you do, you never work out a day in your life (wink).
If intimidation to begin the journey is the main road block, try framing your internal dialogue in a positive manner. Recently, I was teaching a class and I demonstrated what I wanted this certain person to do and they turned to me and said, "I don't know if I can do this!" I turned right back to them and said, "remove the 'I don't know if.'" What is left? I can do this!
Finding what you love to do could take some time, so be patient with yourself! You don't have to love exercise the way you love someone close to you, but remember that finding ways to move that move you is setting yourself up for success, long-term.
If you've always wanted to try running, and for whatever reason have never committed to it, follow this link so you can go into your new journey with more tools at your disposal!
Jack is a Tri Fitness Coach, and his credentials include NASM CPT, B.S. in Kinesiology, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. If you’d like help setting and achieving your health and wellness goals, please contact Jack at jack@tfcoachingmn.com to set up an appointment.
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