Week 4 -- Fitness: Resolve to start exercising and stick with it

by RAE LANE

Are you one of the many who set out to make this your year to get on an exercise program and stick with it only to fall off the wagon three months later?

Diagnosis: You might be allergic to exercise. Unfortunately, you’re not alone.

Those of us in the health club industry see it year after year. January and February bring a lot of new people eager to resolve to get fit, only to see a decline in spring and summer. My goal with this article is to motivate you to make fitness a regular part of your life.

Ever wondered why it seems that some people live to exercise and others are allergic to the very thought of it? My husband is a prime example of a guy who, I believe, came out of his mother’s womb raring to grab a pair of dumbbells and grunt. He would joyfully work out all day long if he could get paid to do it. It wouldn’t matter what mode of exercise, either. He’d do it and be his very happiest.

I, on the other hand, put off my workouts as long as I can, easily finding other things to keep me “too busy.”

Yes, I do it and feel great; after all, I have to practice what I preach. But it takes all the motivating self-talk I can muster to get going.

Now we all know the incredible benefits of fitness: weight loss, stress management, pain reduction, cardiovascular improvement, development of a strong and toned physique, more energy, and better health, just to name a few.

Why these aren’t enough to get us motivated, I have yet to figure out.

So let me ask you, have you ever considered the alternative? Through the years, I’ve worked with numerous “mature” adults who say they wish they had started exercising years ago.

Think of the money you’ll save by maintaining a fit body and heart. I tell people, “You’ll either spend a little money now getting and staying in shape or a fortune later in hospitals and pharmacies!”

Don’t you want to go through life feeling good and one day able to keep up with the grandchildren, not broken down and in pain?

So put a stake in the ground today and commit to make fitness a natural part of your life —for the rest of your life.

Rae Lane is co-owner and general manager of Club 14 Fitness in Fernandina Beach.