“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
This Chinese proverb has been spoken as motivation for so many life events. Ever wonder why people call it a “fitness journey?” Any health and wellness goal we may envision for ourselves requires a little initial effort to manifest. Results such as improved medical conditions, weight loss and overall fitness take time. There is no magic overnight fix-all.
Although a fitness journey can be enjoyed with others, the best way to succeed is to example your personal needs and abilities. Here are three things to think about as you contemplate a healthier you.
You can start at any age.
Some people get discouraged thinking they waited too late to change their dietary habits or start working out. The beauty of a fitness journey is that it can be customized based on where you are and where you hope to be.
Regardless whether you have a long history of working out or you are new to exercise, there is a path for you to take.
The world’s oldest female bodybuilder Ernestine Sheperd started taking aerobics classes at the age of 56. Her 30-year journey has consisted of not only being a competitive bodybuilder, but running marathons and now leading exercise classes for other senior citizens. Not bad for an 86-year-old, huh?
Another inspiration is Edith Murway-Traina who in 2012 at the age of 91 started power-lifting. At the age of 100, the grandmother and great-grandmother set a world record as the oldest competitive female power-lifter ever. Let’s see what 101 holds for this determined lady!
You can have fun.
A moment of transparency – the writer does not like diets or workouts that feel like work. A lot of times we approach fitness journeys as if we are on the path to punishment. “No pain, no gain” we say as we eat rabbit food and prepare to camp out in the gym.
Now don’t get me wrong. In some instances, major changes have to occur to see results. That doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun though. It does mean you have to be determined and focused. What works for someone else may not work for you.
My fitness journey as an adult has consisted of moves such as circuit training and power walking. When I hit a plateau and found myself getting bored, I had to shake things up and reroute my journey. My current workout pleasures are Zumba and yard work. Lots of fun, but I still try to incorporate other elements such as walking and weights to make sure I have balance in my workouts.
Your idea of fun may be running a marathon or competing in a cycling competition. That is perfectly fine. Your fitness journey is for you!
You can chart your own course.
When traveling long distances by vehicle, stops for food, fuel and rest are not too uncommon. Fitness journeys are not too much different. Even the most prolific workout gurus have to take time to recharge every now and then.
If you are working with a certified coach or trainer, they can help guide you in a way that will decrease your chances of burning out. If you are mapping out your own route, it may be wise to consult with your medical provider to make sure you are not overdoing it.
Sometimes as we embark on fitness journeys, we get distracted. Family needs, illness, career demands and other life events tend to stand in the way of our visions of health and wellness.
It can be easy to be hard on yourself, but one point to remember is that a fitness journey does not have a final destination. Some detours are unavoidable and may alter how we maneuver.
The good thing is that your fitness journey doesn’t have to end just because your ability or interest has changed. Once you realize what works for you – high impact, low impact, fast or slow – your fitness journey can continue. Just keep moving!
Contributor Toni Terrett is a judge and certified Zumba instructor. For more information, email zumba@superwomenbydesign.
