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Health & Fitness

What Have You Done for Me Lately?

What Have You Done for Me Lately?

Have you ever thought about that question in regards to your own body?  Most of us tend to take our bodies for granted.  We expect to roll out of bed in the morning and complete a long list of tasks without breaking stride.  It’s only when we get hit with an illness or injury that we stop to realize all that our bodies do for us and how much we take our health for granted.

We all know that our bodies will work to peak performance with proper fuel, exercise and rest, but have you ever stopped to think about how that voice inside your head is treating you?   We all tend to be our own worst critic, picking apart things we don’t like about our bodies or giving ourselves a hard time about our “shoulds” and “can’ts”.  Some of us may not even be aware of the messages we are sending ourselves.

Creating and/or maintaining a healthy lifestyle takes a lot more work than just showing up at the gym a few times a week.  Much of this task is mental.  At some point in our lives, most of us have felt underappreciated by family, friends, or co-workers.  That feeling doesn’t foster putting forth our best efforts.  When you are constantly berating yourself for what you think you can’t do, or what you perceive as your body faults or weaknesses, it makes it much harder to make positive improvements.

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We are all at different stages in our life.  Some have been lifelong exercisers and some are brand new to the experience.  Some are working to maintain their health, and some are working toward better fitness.  It doesn’t matter in which category you find yourself.  It only matters that your attitude be one that creates the health and happiness you seek.

Following through with what your body needs in terms of food, exercise and rest is so much easier to do when you approach it from a positive perspective.  Instead of thinking about depriving your body of foods you know aren’t healthy, think about providing your body with healthy foods that will make you look and feel better.  Instead of guilting yourself into thinking “I have to go workout”, change the words you say to yourself to “I get to go workout today.”   There are many who are unable to workout.   Learn to be grateful for your body and treat yourself to an awesome, sweaty workout you can be proud to accomplish!

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As we head into the New Year, I challenge you to alter your thought process.  No matter where you find yourself on the fitness continuum, become grateful for all your body is capable of right now.  Keep pushing forward with respect for your strong body and appreciate the small positive changes.  You can meet your fitness goals and positive self talk will make the journey much more enjoyable and rewarding!

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