The New Year is here. The gifts have been opened. Either you are enjoying them, still paying for them, or putting some aside to “re-gift”, because you wonder what Aunt Nellie was thinking! Yes, most of us have spent way too much time and money on gift giving in the name of trying to show our love to those we care about during the Christmas season. Well, 2012 is a New Year, and with it comes resolutions which sadly only last about a month. The YMCA is a perfect example of how long fitness (or self-care initiatives) last. It is “boom time” at the Y around Christmas and the January following. You can barely find a spot on a fitness machine during peak times with all the resolutions in full swing! Come mid-February, it is filtered back down to those who, no matter what, understand and appreciate the gift they have been given. That is, the gift of their body.
Question:
Why do you suppose most fitness and diet resolutions fail?
Answer:
Because they lack a deeper motivation than mere vanity. Period.
We must be advocates for ourselves. “Self-advocacy arises from self-love. Without self-love, one is unable to make a true commitment to health or wholeness as others are valued more than the needs of self. If you find yourself sacrificing self-care for others or making excuses to not invest time or money in self-care, you may need to evaluate your relationship to yourself and your definition of love.” (Quoted with permission from “Becoming Real: Harnessing the Power of Menopause for Health and Success”, by Rose Kumar, M.D. 2011, Medial Press. page 175.)
Question:
What will motivate you to get back on, and stay on a solid health and wellness path?
Only you can answer this question. Here are some examples to consider, while taking ownership of what inspires you. Read them, if any strike you, take a card and write them down. Take a couple cards. Put one by your bedside to remind you to pray about your “motivators” at night. Put one by your coffee pot to remind you to take that walk at lunch time. Give one to your spouse or friend for encouragement. Encourage them to do the same!
For your muscles – by age 30 we start to lose about 5 % a decade!
For your bones - you can actually rebuild bones through strength training!
For your heart - your heart is a muscle too!
For your cholesterol - “honest” exercise and a “real food” diet are most important
For your type II diabetes which can be improved or erased through fitness and diet
For your mind – it is unclear why, but, yes, you can prevent and treat Alzheimer’s with cardio exercise
For balance - providing coordination thus protection against falls
For others – yes, keeping you from being a burden to others, distracting them from their ministry.
If these types of motivators are not enough, allow me to share my strongest:
For appreciation and responsibility for the gift of your body - “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians, 6:19
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Taking care of you first through self-love is not selfish. In the end, it is self-less because everyone benefits from the choices you make. Give yourself the gift of health and wellness for the New Year (and the years to follow).
It is a gift that keeps on giving – to everyone!
STRONG BODIES, STRONG FAMILIES, STRONG FAITH
Jill Neils - Certified Personal Trainer
FAITHFUL FITNESS meets Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30 PM
“Where faith, fun, fellowship and fitness all fit together!”
262-490-2040 neilscomp@aol.com