Physical Training For Jedi
Part II - Why Fitness Fails
by: Jade Tigresse Jedi Tighearna*More than 50% of all people who start an exercise program drop out within the 1st 6 months so it is necessary to understand the obstacles as well as the positive things that a person can do that will help them stick with it. :-) So to that end I share with you my notes.
Why do people start exercising? Health- #1 reason most people state:
Intent, willpower, commitment or knowledge are not always sufficient by themselves to challenge a sedentary person to change their lifestyle. How a person views exercise and te obstacles can get in the way.
1. Biological factors- does a person have a physical limitation that may limit their activities
2. psychological- attitudes, fears, beliefs
3. Environmental- do they have access to fitness facilities?
Environmental factors are the easiest to modify- even if you can't get a club membership, you can set up at your own residence. Or do something as simple as going for a walk which is the most popular form of exercise and requires the least amount of preparation, skill or equipment
Things that help a person maintain exercise regular time set aside to do so regular place that they work out at a set sequence or pattern more likely to complete (a change to the pattern can be made to relieve boredom) goals to work towards some positive benefit perceived
Other factor that would help a person maintain a fitness program instruction & encouragement freedom from injury or sickness enjoy what they are doing group camaraderie some sign of progress-increased ability or decrease in body composition spouse & peer approval
Negative variables would be:
- inadequate leadership or knowledge
- Time inconvenience
- muscular or skeletal problems/injuries
- boredom
- low individual commitment
- lack of progress awareness
- spouse or peer disapproval
So what can we do to make sure we stick to exercising?
#1 face any fears or reservations about inadequacy or inability- whether it is by getting a book on the subject or talking to someone, or joining a group fitness program
#2 don't think negatively about the actions or think of it as punishment - think of the benefits -make a list of benefits that you want to achieve, make a reasonable time line for attainment
#3 don't think that if you have to miss a few exercise session that you've "fallen off the wagon". Life happens. YOu just get back to dong what you can do at the next available opportunity. Also it helps to plan for lapses by having alternative exercise methods. LIke I keep a set of those rubber resistance things in my car to take with me if I go somewhere. Or if you're traveling stay at a hotel that has a fitness room. or even having a few exercise videos handy- whatever helps you
#4 think of it as a treat that you are giving yourself.
#5 think of the positive health benefits.
#6 DON'T over do it when you first start out, because that's the quickest route to injury. If you haven't exercises in some time start slow & gradually and increase as your body adapts. Also understand that mild stiffness & soreness is natural at the beginning. that's just the "rust" being worked out of your body. ;-)
#7 fitness people are not nuts, geek's, weirdo's, or Ken & Barbie. fitness people can be anyone. I've seen whole hispanic families out on the jogging trails where I go which is inspiring to see 3 or 4 generations out together working on their health so I'll put up with the road block. I've also seen some rather large people that I always try to flash a thumbs up to. If you really look; most people out getting fit are all sorts of shapes & sizes and a larger % not with the Ken & Barbie bodies. ;-)
#8 if you do have some sort of health problem-GO SLOW and get medical or professional advice about how to proceed.
#9 don't ever be afraid to ask someone for help or advice because you think it will make you look like an idiot or an amateur. We all start somewhere and you'll find there are a great many other people that have questions too. But you will also find that most people into fitness are always willing to help others out
#10 be willing to push yourself but don't go overboard or do anything that you know will cause yourself harm. Use good judgment & common sense.
*Jedi Jade Tigresse Tighearna was studying to be a personal fitness trainer when we last heard from her. Posts on our forum by other Jedi indicated she had gone on with her career in fitness and also had begun her own Jedi group. We wish her the best.
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