Don’t be a Lacker! Be a Doer!

Last week while attending a fitness conference, I learned an abundance of exciting information. I also heard an alarming fact—that only 3 out of 10 Americans exercise on a regular basis—70%.  As someone who has worked in the fitness industry for 14 years, I was particularly unsettled by this piece of information.  The question is why? Doctors, the media, the food and weight loss industry, and of course, my industry, fitness and health, constantly promote the message that regular exercise is good for you. Even our significant others offer gentle hints about losing a few pounds. The message is everywhere.  After the conference I started to think about all the excuses I hear on a daily basis as to why people do not exercise.  The top three are the “lacks”—lack of time, lack of money to join a gym, and lack of motivation.  Here is another “lack” fact: lack of physical activity contributes to some 300,000 deaths each year in the United States—caused by heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other serious conditions.  If you don’t exercise, you are in serious danger of becoming one of those statistics.

 

If you are among the 30% who has chosen to exercise, you are reaping important health benefits. Congratulations! What keeps these doers motivated? The reasons are numerous and very personal. As I look around the fitness center I see many different faces, shapes, and ages.  All of these people have their own motivations and reasons for exercising.  There’s the young mother who just had a baby and wants to fit back into her jeans.  There’s the middle-aged man working to build strength after knee surgery.  There are people who combine the social aspect by working out with their friends—a great motivator. There are college students, senior citizens, professionals and retirees. They cover the spectrum. Regardless of their motivation, they have made the commitment to exercise. It’s very simple—they just do it!

 

My job as a fitness professional is to educate people on the benefits of exercise.  I am committed to significantly raising that 30%. It is a fact: regular exercise will make you look better, feel better, live a longer life, have a better sex life, and just be healthier. Isn’t that the best motivation? I encourage you to just give it a try. Take that first step away from being a “lacker” and towards being a doer. I promise you will feel better, prouder, and healthier.

 

Stay healthy

Nic