“Misery Business”

• Why pain is a great motivator
• * How can you make fitness for life and not just a “diet” or “training”?

Last week, I shared an article on what the ideal life expectancy is.

It really got me thinking! Most people neglect the longer term advantage of staying in health (and fitness certainly isn’t all about vanity).

This weekend I was in Inverness (in fact, as I write this I’m travelling back) and the demographic is certainly different to Aberdeen. It’s refreshing to get away from the gloom, particularly when things have been stressful: negativity spreads like wildfire.

I love how relaxed life is up there and even a couple of days, I feel better for it.

From my own perspective, I do get anxious about work and I wouldn’t say that I’m normally relaxed come the start of the week. Even when I arrived in Inverness on Saturday, I was fairly stressed (I had already worked around 50 hours all-in by then).

Being self-employed is (without any shadow of a doubt) the most mentally and physically draining thing I’ve ever done. In fact, given the choice again, I probably won’t do it (being honest!).

I’ve not had a decent holiday in over a year, can’t switch off from work and constantly planning. It’s not easy certainly hasn’t helped my health!

The article that I shared was an almost philosophical perspective on what age is ideal to live to. I suppose, it depends on “quality of life” and that itself is open to interpretation.

My current literature has been about happiness, mindfulness and coaching – all of which are fundamentally linked to happiness / quality of life.

As the saying goes “take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live.”

Investment in fitness is just that: a lifelong investment. Fad diets, high intensity workouts are better than nothing but if they’re not sustainable then it will have NO discernible impact on your quality of life.

That’s why I’m selective about new clients, I won’t take on people who are looking for an overnight miracle.

It’s about longevity.

If you’re expecting to live beyond the life expectancy, then you need to do something that will maintain your health!

In the article, it’s suggested that the human body could have the capacity to live 115 years! Although this may increase as life expectancy is much higher now than it was 100 years ago.

However, what would be the point if you don’t enjoy your life, firstly and also live as much of a pain-free existence as possible?

Life really is a marathon and not a sprint! Having a routine that depends on you being fit mentally and physically will ensure that you stay on track.

I’m in a lucky position in that I don’t own a car (so by nature I need to walk everywhere) and I attribute that to being one reason why I’ve been active most of my life.

I saw a picture that was shared on social media yesterday (I have cut down my usage but it certainly has some great ideas on it) it said:

“The first step towards change is awareness, the second is acceptance.”

It often takes an event in people’s lives for them to realise that they need to change their ways.

Most often, this is an emotional change like being told something negative or a health scare.

For me, it was realising the pain of how difficult a football match was (having been so out of shape). I was embarrassed!

That event began my whole journey in fitness.

It’s painful finding out but sometimes it’s even more painful not taking action.

I get weeks where my fitness routine is difficult but I know that I need to stick with it.

Hard work gets results (although it can be a frustrating process) it’s ultimately rewarding. Furthermore, with the right guidance, it doesn’t need to be PAINFUL.

I appreciate that for most people, it’s a challenge enough to seek help, let alone be pushed into things they hate. That’s why enjoyment is vital to RYPT (getting that emotional connection between body and mind will speed up the process).

So, if you’ve reached the point of awareness, is it time to seek professional help?

RYPT coaching starts with a FREE trial, there is no better time to get involved. RYPT is less about being a workout partner, more for providing support and guidance.

Head over to www.RYPT.info now

Ross

www.RYPT.info