The first fitness myth I think is out there that we all need to deal with is that getting fit really involves a lifestyle change. Fitness is not an end goal, nor a static destination. It is a way of life and as such requires constant change.
There are, as with almost anything, two sides to the story when it comes to getting fit.
(Sad) Fitness Truth #1: Getting Fit- Truly Fit- Can Take A While
(Happy) Fitness Truth #1: Getting Fit Shows Continual Objective and Subjective Improvements
I’m not one for weight loss surgery and can’t say I’m a fan of The Biggest Loser. I don’t think either one of them stands the test of time (and I think weight loss surgery has dramatic long term negative effects on one’s health that they rarely mention when someone comes onstage to reveal their “new” body).
If you have 50 pounds to lose, it’s going to take a while. If you want to run a marathon, it’s going to involve some training. If you want to graduate from college, you’ve got to put the time in. If you want a baby, you’ve got to put the time in.
Nearly every worthy goal involves months and sometimes years of preparation. If it didn’t, would it be as worthy a goal? Probably not.
It took me a year and a half to lose the 45 pounds I had put on over many years of inactivity. I knew it would take a while, and I knew that if I didn’t start that day, it would only take longer to get my body where I knew it needed to be.
It took me many months of bent leg pushups before I was strong enough to do a straight leg pushup.
It took me several months of walk/jogging before I could run a 5k, more months before I could run a 10k, and a few years’ of running before I could run a half marathon. My first marathon took a year’s worth of preparation.
But these fitness journeys were not without progress. I could see that my body was changing and I could feel myself getting stronger. With weight loss came new clothes to fit my smaller size. My 15 minute mile slowly changed to a 12 minute mile, then plateaued at a 10 minute mile for a number of years. Then when I decided I wanted to improve on that pace, I had to put in more work. And I’ve seen the results.
I admit the results of these efforts have been rather addicting. I want to keep quickening my pace because I have so much fun and get so much satisfaction and pride in seeing my improvements over the months and years.
So I guess for you the question is: what are you willing to work for?
