Do it for 60-, 70- or 80-year-old you.
I have been a part of the fitness industry for a long time now. We have had thousands of people walk through our doors over the years. There is usually a common theme – someone comes in because they want to get fitter, they used to be in better shape, life has been so busy, I have school, kids, work life…you get the picture.
The same thing that brings that individual in is what can also be the reason for leaving…I just don’t have time, my life is crazy, school, work, kids, etc. “I will come back when things settle down”.
I am going to let you in on a little secret – life never settles down. Sure, it changes, and you might not always be busy juggling school and exams, but that turns in to juggling a career, relationships, maybe having babies. That evolves again and again and your busy never goes away, it simply morphs into something new.
The best time to dial in your fitness habit or your nutrition is in the middle of the mess, because let’s be real, life is messy. It’s unpredictable, it’s amazing and hard and everything in between all at the same time. There is never a perfect time, you just have to make time.
I grew up playing sports. I had my first gym membership at 13 and fitness has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Has it always been perfect? Gosh no. Have I had injuries, babies, and sickness? Absolutely. Like I said, it might not always be perfect, but it has always been there.
For me and my family, being active and having fitness as an outlet is a lifesaver. If we are going through a stressful time, it is amazing how a good sweat can bring us back and help provide perspective.
Over the years, motivation can change. Performance and aesthetic were big motivators in my late teens, and 20’s. That changed to being healthy so I could have healthy pregnancies and births. That evolved to wanting to set a good example to my kids and to be able to keep up with their energy. Now, as I near my 50th year of life, I train so that I can thrive in my later years of life. I want to be able to hike up mountains and travel. I want my life to be full, and I want to be able to be independent as long as I possibly can.
Things happen and we sometimes get dealt a bad hand and we just have to roll with the punches but remember that the choices you make in your 20’s, 30’s and 40’s are going to be what shapes your 50’s, 60’s and beyond. So, the next times you don’t feel like training, think about 80-year-old you and do it for them. Your future self will thank you!