Club News & Blog

We are all at the gym for our own specific reason(s). Some may want to get stronger, some more fit, or some to add muscle for their beach body (just to list a few common reasons). There can be negative reasons to exercise, but since I love exercise and what it can do for people, I personally think the list of “bad” reasons to exercise must be among the shortest lists out there.

While we each have our own reasons for exercising, I believe one of the best reasons to exercise is to improve our health outcomes.

Health outcomes can come in many shapes and sizes. For some, it may be reducing back pain. For others, improving cardiovascular health. Yet others may lift weights to help delay the onset of age-related bone loss. The outcomes you can choose to aim for are almost innumerable.

When setting fitness goals, I have found it to be very beneficial to identify a corresponding health outcome in order to provide a reason as to why you are doing what you are doing. If you want to get stronger, which may be a great general goal, try connecting that to a specific health outcome or outcomes. For example: strength training is great for increasing longevity, improving bone health, increasing muscle mass and, by extension, increase caloric burn leading to fat loss, etc.

Motivation can drop in some people as the weather begins to turn. When it gets light later in the morning, dark earlier in the day, and the skies seem gray, it can be hard to find the motivation to come in and exercise. Motivation can be fleeting. Dedication is the thing that we do no matter what. We (hopefully!) brush our teeth whether it is sunny or snowing. Exercise should be a part of your routine and as much of a habit and important as brushing your teeth.

Living a long and healthy life is likely a goal of every single one of us. This is true whether we keep it front of mind or not. I believe that by consciously using this often-subconscious drive, we can find ways to stay dedicated even when motivation is low.

If morning cardio sounds like a slog tomorrow, remember why you are doing it. If the answer is “To get in better shape” or “To lose some weight,” that reasoning may not be enough. I know it would not be for me! If we constantly are reminded of our health outcome goal, however, it can be much easier to put the work in. Your motivation is aided by having a purpose.

At this point I would like to take a little aside though to address missing workouts: It is NOT the end of the world! Some people end up feeling so guilty and beat themselves up so much over missing a workout that they end up feeling worse. That is not part of a healthy or health enhancing lifestyle.

Life is busy, and we all get tired, overwhelmed, overworked, etc. Being gracious with ourselves when we do miss workouts or diverge from our eating plan is a very important part of maintaining the healthy balance in life. Making health your priority absolutely must include taking care of your mental health.

I encourage you all to sit down and examine your goals. What are your training goals? How about nutrition? What health outcomes can you tie these in-the-gym or in-the-kitchen goals to? By focusing on something a little more engaging and meaningful than simply adding muscle or burning fat, you can find that extra oomph to help you succeed.

Remember, your reasons for being here are important! You make sacrifices daily, whether for your job, your family, or yourself. Treating yourself to the ultimate gift - improved health now and in the future - can be a very strong negotiating tool when the weather changes or you are feeling tired. Always treat yourself with grace, even when you miss an opportunity. Life is too short to be down on yourself!

I wish you all the health in the world as we get ready to kick off the fall season!