Sometimes it feels like we are waking up from some form of hibernation when the sun comes out the way it has recently.
Though we can feel the immediate boost through every facet of our being, we tend to find ourselves relatively less fit and less motivated than we would like to be. Even for those of us who maintain off-season training, getting outside can be a challenge.
Let’s work together on two opposing ends to set ourselves up for success, taking hold of every bit of sunshine and enjoying summer in the best state of emotional and physical health possible!
[do not continue reading unless you are ready to do something for yourself!!!]
1) Create an Effective Goal
Okay, we’ve all heard at least 100 variations of the “I wanna lose XX pounds” goal. Valid? Absolutely. But on its own, a weak, bleak and dry coordinate that leaves us short and unhappy time and time again.
- The most effective goals will denote a specific action on a specific given date. This could involve signing up for an event (there are hundreds!) like this, and this or this. By tying yourself to an event, you engage in what is generally an amazing experience in seeing like-minded individuals of all fitness levels, and hold yourself accountable to a specific controlled and supported course, and the specific date.
- The most effective goals will involve at least one more individual who is in on the training. The most common mistake, however, is promising to train with your teammate(s). My suggestion is training about half of the time together, so when life happens, you’re not left without the motivation to keep going. Use Facebook or your own Blog to share your victories and adversity when it hits.
- The most effective goals are centered around purpose – if you are motivated to make a change in your life, this qualifies. Purpose could also be involve raising funds for a charity you care about. Just as importantly, you should have fun w0rking towards and achieving you goal. This is partly a choice of activity, as well as attitude!
- The most effective goals are measurable and realistic. If you are doing an event for a first time, completion is the measure. Otherwise it could be an improvement in time, and parameters for how you are going to achieve that performance, like body weight, completing X training sessions that focus on your weakness, etc. A good target is 80% of your planned training, which brings us to…
- The most effective goals involve a plan in writing. This could take the form of a progressive training calendar, a written agreement/creed posted on your desk. Studies show that your subconscious mind goes to work arranging your thought process to prioritize the completion of goals much better when they have been written and visualized.
- What’s holding you back from taking 10 minutes now to set the wheels in motion with a destination focus?
2) Take Immediate Action
DO IT – GET YOUR BODY MOVING! Even if it’s wet – the rain is much warmer now and we can enjoy activity outdoors with lighter clothing depending on the intensity of activity. What are you waiting for? Go for a ride, a brisk walk, a jog. In preparation for the summer, we can get onto the gym stepper to prep for a good hike up the Grouse grind.
Ready for something new?
Have you considered the fastest-growing solo-sport in BC? Road biking! Get on that spinner to prep your conditioning. If you haven’t tried running, or let winter take you down, get those shoes on – it doesn’t have to be 10km, just warm it up and jog around the block…Your body will love you for it – just get started!!!
If you have questions about any of the items above, I’d be happy to help!
If you are planning on doing some sort of event this season, or would be interested in joining a small group hike – Please contact me as we may share or make plans together!
If you would like to share your own plan or action you took today – I’d love to hear your comment!