{"id":32,"date":"2014-11-28T06:27:37","date_gmt":"2014-11-28T06:27:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/magazine.riskinfo.com.au\/18\/?p=32"},"modified":"2015-02-27T00:09:08","modified_gmt":"2015-02-27T00:09:08","slug":"attitude-to-exercise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/magazine.riskinfo.com.au\/18\/attitude-to-exercise\/","title":{"rendered":"Attitude to Exercise"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Have you done any exercise today? If not, it could be your attitude that needs a workout. In this edition of The Waiting Room, Unified Healthcare Group counters some of the common excuses and barriers that stand between many of us and the gym\u2026<\/h3>\r\n<\/div>\n

We live in a society which is bombarded with exercise and dietary information from a range of sources on a daily basis. Unfortunately, most experts overlook the fact that creating life-long change is more about our head than it is about our body.<\/p>\n

When looking to get in shape, the first thing you need to change is not your diet or your exercise regime; the first thing you need to change is your attitude.<\/p>\n

Stop waiting for the right time before starting an exercise program – it never comes!
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\u201cI\u2019ll start exercising next Monday, next week, next month, when the kids are at school, when it\u2019s not so dark in the morning, when all the planets align, when Tasmania reconnects with the mainland…\u201d Sure you will. The only person you\u2019re fooling is you.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t make excuses to get out of exercising<\/strong> (eg: \u201cIt\u2019s raining\u201d or \u201cI\u2019m too busy\u201d)<\/p>\n

Consistency is the key. The number one reason people don\u2019t get in shape and stay in shape is that they don\u2019t finish what they start. It doesn\u2019t matter how much potential you have, how great your intentions are at the outset, or how many resources you have at your disposal, if you don\u2019t consistently apply yourself (even when it\u2019s not fun) you won\u2019t get where you want to go.<\/p>\n

It might surprise many to learn that about 85% of people who have a current gym membership don\u2019t go!<\/p>\n

There are no \u2018quick fixes\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many people don\u2019t want to hear that transforming their body is more about attitude, commitment and self-control than it is about finding the right program, gym, diet, trainer or miracle-pill. A good attitude typically equals a good outcome.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t only exercise when it\u2019s fun or entertaining<\/strong><\/p>\n

Getting in shape won\u2019t always be fun or entertaining \u2013 don\u2019t be precious!<\/p>\n

Sometimes getting fit is boring, so put up with it! If being a little bored means that you might live longer, have a better body and improve your quality of life, put up with it or change your attitude. If you want to be entertained, see a movie!<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t wait to be motivated<\/strong><\/p>\n

Motivation is temporary. For most people motivation is an emotional state; a feeling that comes and goes.<\/p>\n

We can\u2019t rely on it to get us to our goals because it isn\u2019t always there. If you experience motivational peaks and troughs you\u2019re not a loser, you\u2019re normal. Motivation is great when it\u2019s there, but when you don\u2019t feel pumped to do that workout, do it anyway.<\/p>\n

Changing your body is more about self-control and consistency than it is about being in the zone. It\u2019s possible (necessary, perhaps) to exercise even when you\u2019re not motivated. You might not love the process but you\u2019ll love the results.<\/p>\n

Make time to exercise<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some people blame their busy schedules for not keeping up their exercise plan. If we were to spend five hours per week exercising you would be spending 97% of your time not exercising. It is not a time thing; it is a priority thing, an organisational thing, and an \u201cI can\u2019t be bothered\u201d thing. It\u2019s all about organisation and implementation. Timetable your exercise around your other commitments and create a realistic schedule that can be maintained for the long haul.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t get in shape for specific events<\/strong><\/p>\n

Too many people spend their life getting in shape for summer, birthdays, weddings, school reunions and other significant social occasions.<\/p>\n

Like athletes, they peak for an event\u2026 and then get fat again. Sad really! Creating your best body is about the next few decades, not the next six weeks.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t use failures as an excuse to quit<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is nothing wrong with making mistakes, as long as we learn from them. Everyone slips up now and then, so don\u2019t give up!<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t get too tricky with the process<\/strong><\/p>\n

If your goal, like many people, is to lose weight and fat, then all that is required is to move your limbs, get your heart rate up, get a bit sweaty, get a bit uncomfortable and do it often.<\/p>\n

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The Waiting Room looks at of some of the common medical conditions which advisers may come across when dealing with clients.<\/em><\/p>\n

Unified Healthcare Group serves Australia\u2019s financial services industry by providing a one-stop solution for all medical requirements associated with life insurance claims and underwriting.<\/p>\n

Contact or follow the author:<\/strong> Telephone: 1300 558 583 | Website<\/a> | Email<\/a> | LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n