In Need of Inspiration to get "In Shape?"

“Getting in shape” is such a vague phrase. What does “in shape” even mean? How do you measure it? How do you know when you are finally “in shape” and what then, do you just stop working out?

This phrase has always made me wonder if I am really “in shape” up to other people’s standards. The reason that I bring this up is because when someone wants to get fit, wants to lose weight, wants to gain muscle or wants to be healthier, a specific goal is always the best route to take. Vagueness will get you nowhere FAST.

I decided I wanted to start rock climbing in 2009, so I did, and slowly but surely I got in the best “shape” of my life. What do I mean by this you may ask? Well I could do 6 static pull-ups in a row, I could run a 10K in under one hour, I could curl 20 lbs in each arm, I could climb 5.11 B, spin classes no longer wore me out and I had more energy than I could ever remember. For me, having this goal of being the best climber I could possibly be propelled me into being in the best shape I could possibly be. I wasn’t exercising just to exercise I was exercising with a purpose, with the intention of climbing harder the next day, and that makes all the difference. If you want to lose weight, set a goal weight and a date to lose it by. If you want to gain muscle, start measuring circumferences and start lifting! If you want to “get in shape” find something to get in shape for, or at least set goals with numbers attached to them so that you can hold yourself accountable.

Some people don’t want to lose weight, some people just want to be healthier and in better cardiovascular shape, well sign up something! Sign up for a 5K a 10K a half-marathon, an iron man. You want to be more flexible and lean? Start yoga and have your goal be a static handstand or some crazy yoga pose (I don’t know because I don’t practice yoga.) Whatever your goal, find something tangible to attach it to. And once you have accomplished that goal, find another one. Most of us don’t stop trying to earn more money, or stop trying to be the best partner we can be in our relationships, so why would you get complacent with your health? Keep pushing yourself, and the only way you can make sure this happens is if you hold yourself accountable. You can never be the best at everything, you can never be as fit as you can possibly be. We can always try new things, we can always improve ourselves. Do not trick yourself into thinking you are not cut out for something just because it is challenging, or because you are not good at it right away (guys you are guilty of this).

In 2011 I ran my first organized race, I signed up for a 10K for charity (even though I despised running). I had little time to prepare but I gave it my best effort and I “loved it.”  No I don’t LOVE running now, I’m not one of those annoying people who runs marathons for “fun.” What I mean is that I liked the challenge of doing something I don’t love.  The fact that I did something I despised and yet I had fun doing it was what I was most proud of. 

Whatever your goal, there is no reason to wait another day to take steps towards reaching it. With procrastination you are your own worst enemy, now get off the couch, get from behind that computer screen and go and make yourself your own best cheerleader.

For more information on health and fitness please visit: www.malibuhealthandfitness.com