Have you ever wondered what you should do when starting an exercise program, such as: What works, what doesn’t work? Should I do cardio or lift weights? How long, how fast, and what do I wear? These are all important questions and need the right answers to achieve your personal health and fitness.
However, can YOU answer two crucial questions before starting an exercise program?
- Have you made exercise a PRIORITY in your life?
- What is your MOTIVATION?
Your answers will not only help you get started, but set the road map for having a consistent exercise program, which can be the most difficult part.
Follow me for a moment with this newspaper headline:
“After receiving the news that she would have to drive 45 minutes to pick up her 1 million dollar lottery check, a busy woman states that she “does not have time” and will have to decline her winnings.”
Does that sound crazy or what? Like me, I am sure you are thinking, “I would find the time!” because I know that…
- My life would change
- I would never HAVE to work again
- My kids college would be paid
- I would never have to worry about money again
Without a doubt, picking up that money would become a PRIORITY that day because of the benefits I would receive in finding 45 minutes in my day.
How often do you say “I don’t have time to exercise?” Let’s be honest — is it that you don’t have the time or you have not made exercise a priority?
WHAT IS A PRIORITY?
A priority has been defined as something afforded or deserving attention.
The truth is we will make time for the things that are a PRIORITY to us, like picking up a million dollars. We will rearrange schedules, cancel meetings, or say no to certain things so that it can be done.
WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION?
Would exercise become a priority if you were motivated for the right reasons? Before I design a specific program for my client, we establish a concrete motivator.
It is important to know that what motivated you in the past may not motivate you now. For example, the only reason I exercised 20 years ago was to “hopefully” look a certain way in my jeans, although it did not exactly work. Today at age 41, while the jeans do matter (let’s be honest) it is not my only motivation for exercise. If I use “the jeans” as my only motivation, exercise would not be a priority.
What does motivate me is focusing on Scripture and remembering that when I exercise I am
- Bringing honor to God with my body (I Corinthians 6:19-20)
- Feeling close to God as He strengthens me during my exercise (Isaiah 45:5) and brings me:
- Less stress (Philippians 4:6)
- More peace (Psalm 34:14)
- Feeling good and in good health (Proverbs 3:8)
- Strong enough to do what I am called to do (Proverbs 31:17)
- More energetic at work (Proverbs 31:17)
- Positive with a better attitude (Proverbs 17:22 )
- Feeling confident about myself (Psalm 197:14)
What will motivate you today? Before jumping into the next exercise craze, ask yourself the real questions before starting an exercise program.
- What is my motivation?
- Have I made it a priority?
If just like taking the time to pick up your money would change your life,
how would your life change if you were motivated to make exercise a priority?
To Your Health & Wellness,
Crystal Bush Breaux
Wellness Coach/Fitness Designer
About Crystal Breaux
Great blog, Crystal! Even when my motivation is on track, my attitude sometimes needs adjusting! Instead of grumbling about having to exercise more at my age, I need to be more thankful that I have the health to do that. Thank you for the awesome scriptures, too. I think I’ll post those in my workout area to help me focus.
Oh the attitude. Yes, I can relate. Not feeling as motivated this morning, I had to take the opportunity to thank God for the legs and health to allow me to exercise and focus on His beauty on such a crisp beautiful morning.
I agree with the attitude statement. The thing that gets me every single time is that I feel SO GOOD after working out….but to get myself out the door to actually do it, is ridiculous!!! I fight with myself every time! I’m sorry to say that I usually find some excuse not to exercise! I know that I need to work on that!! I’ve said it for ages…..now to just DO IT!! Thanks Crystal for your words of encouragement today! I, too, am going to post those scriptures where I can see them on a regular basis!!
two REALLY good questions, crystal! i thank you…and don’t 😉 thank you…for asking them! y’know? for me, the crux of the problem is ‘consistency.’ and you address that in your statement: “Your answers will not only help you get started, but set the road map for having a consistent exercise program, which can be the most difficult part.” so, i am seriously considering my answers looking forward to dealing with the consistency part…thank you! <3
Coleen, I am glad you found that helpful. Consistency is the hardest part and these are questions that get overlooked and then can leave you feeling like a failure when you are not. you might just be setting yourself up to fail, without evaluating your priorities, time and motivation first. You are starting off on the right track. i know you can do it.
Love this Crystal. I have printed theses scriptures as reminders. I go to an hour long “boot camp” type class 3 x a week but struggle the remaining days of the week. In order to lose those last 15 lbs that is hanging on and get rid of this extra body fat in my mid-section, I know I have to stop making excuses and just doing – consistently. Thanks again for posting!!
I love the scriptural references…I never would have thought of that as pertaining to an exercise program, but it certainly does!