Why We Struggle with Fitness

Summer is near. And you know what that means… time to push the “get fit” panic button for ‘tis the bathing suit and beach season. Even if you don’t do the beach, it’s nice to feel good about wearing some seasonal appropriate clothes.

This has me thinking this morning about why so many of us are inclined towards a fair-weather relationship with fitness. The pattern is to go through stretches where fitness is on the back-burner then suddenly, it’s full tilt fitness! We’ve got to get fit and we want results now.

Fit is generally something we’re “trying to get.” It’s an endless struggle, a mountain that is always being climbed but rarely being summitted (I know, that’s not technically a word but you get the drift. It’s a little of my mountain climbing speak coming through).

Why do we keep buying into the new diets, reaching for the latest, greatest next fitness hope?

There’s a lot going on here; the way we run our lives, our motivation, our commitment, our true intention, etc. These all play a role. But there’s something else, an aspect of our relationship with fitness, with ourselves, which underlies and transcends all these.

Fitness, for most of us, is “out there.”  It’s something we do, a plan we follow, a guru, an expert, a coach, a trainer. It’s at arms reach or further.

What’s wrong with that?

Nothing, so long as your good with continuing the perpetual ascent and the struggle of it all. For as long as fitness (nutritionally and exercise wise) continues to be “something you do” versus “who you are” you will continue to struggle with it.

It may sound like "fancy speak" or like I’m splitting hairs but not at all. Think about it this way: What if your relationship with religion is “out there” in that you “do church” but you’re not personally connected, from the inside? Would that make a difference?

What if you were to “do” your marriage / relationship from arms length, making all the ”right moves” but failing to bring your most authentic, open loving self to your marriage? How do you think that would work?

Not so good, right?

Yet for some peculiar reason most people seem to believe that it’s normal, “acceptable” or dare I say “good enough” to go through the motions of fitness, to follow the guide and expect to be transformed.

Aint gonna happen.

Making the leap from “doing fitness” to “being fit” is what Strength for Life is all about. I’m tired of seeing people struggle and I want not to be part of the problem by simply promising next “fitness salvation.” For in your heart (and most likely your head) you know it’s not about a miracle sequence, a magical exercise,  or even an ordained piece of equipment—it’s about you!

It is You who hold all the powers and the magic to shape your life. And the key that unlocks your full potential—your most brilliant life—is Strength. Not just physical but true strength that arises from inside and radiates into every aspect of your life. From Strength, fitness and life, confirm to your desires as you become the author of your life and experience.

If you’re ready for true and lasting Fitness Freedom not just another Fitness Plan, pick up Strength for (Your) Life.

Comments

[Mike Hamler]

Thanks Shawn, I'm starting to really get this. I've been a little reserved over the years to develop a lean strong body. Partly because of the ego that goes with it. Strength for Life has taught me that my physical strength shouldn't be the focus of my life but the foundation. Onward my friend, onward!