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
