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"Dear David and Trish…

I have been involved in Fitness and Exercise for years now. But I say "involved", because, truly, I have NEVER been able to stick with a program! I get bored, discouraged, and just generally depressed by just the thought of going to the gym, or even using my body. Am I doomed to weakness and poor health? HELP… someone throw me a bone!!!!

Dear "Giving Up",

Here’s Your Bone! Trish and I have been using the facilities and tools of gyms and fitness centers in many parts of the world for years now. What has impressed (and shocked) us more than anything else is the member's apparent inability to find a way to truly enjoy the experience of exercising. The continence, mood and attitude of most of our fitness playmates (see, bet you never heard that expression!) is one of morbid duty, overbearing obligation, and just plain drudgery. It is no wonder that the rate of "sedentary relapse" (another one of our cute phrases) is so high, and member retention is so low. And, even less fortunate, is the fact that the failure to continue a program of health and fitness is not limited to those who are engaging in it just for improved physical appearance or sport efficiency… many of those "failing" in their journey are persons whose very health and survival depends on continuing on with this commitment. What goes wrong? And how can it be corrected?

Like most of life's problems and riddles, there is no easy answer to this question. But we submit, based on our own experiences, and having seen hundreds of people succeed, and thousands of people fail, that there is a vital principle to long-term fitness that is totally ignored. This is a principle that, when applied to many of life's other challenges and endeavors, results in almost guaranteed success and fulfillment. It is elusive, yet quite simple. Sound intriguing? Read on fellow traveler…

How many times have we been told that it is good results that keep people coming back to the gym for more and more? I say, "boldergass!" (if you know what this word means, you are DEFINITELY over the hill!). Being "goal oriented" sounds good, and might be a placating concept for the new Trainer or beginning Fitness Devotee… but it carries with it the certainty that sooner or later, one of two things will occur. Either the goal will be reached, and we become complacent and restless, or the goal is NOT reached, and we become discouraged and depressed. A double-edged sword if their ever was one.

But, take heart Bunky… there is a THIRD alternative. It incorporates TWO vital principles.

It was through my personal life experiences that I found the true value of these two principles.

The first is to learn to PLAY. PLAY is a state of mind, an attitude, an awareness of one of the truths of life itself. Play is being "in the here and now", and enjoying the experience, without focusing on the outcome. Have you forgotten how? You're NOT alone! Most adults have somehow lost (or rather misplaced) this ability. But here's even MORE good news… you can get it back!

Think about it… who are the masters of play? Children, and dogs, of course! I'm sure there are one or two of either around for you to observe, and learn from! Be awed by young people's ability to truly appreciate the mystery of movement, of muscles, of form and flexibility. Capture all this, store it away, and bring it to the gym with you. Let it change you, and the way you workout, completely!

The second principle is learning to SLOW DOWN, and BE IN THE PRESENT. More can be gained from the journey than in reaching the destination. And how one approaches any element of life is crucial to the outcome. So it becomes imperative that we learn not only the physical mechanics of exercise (good form and execution, muscle overload, and recovery), but the mental and emotional components, also.

Well, fellow travelers, here it is for you in a "nutshell"… it is form, execution, and timing that is ALL in exercise. It is the correct performance of the movement that gives you the benefit, not the completion of the movement. So your exercise session needs to be a MEDITATION session!

No, we're not getting "retro" on you and suggesting substituting "Uggggh" with "Ommmm" when you squeeze out that last rep! What we are recommending is that you focus on the movement, and the mover! The mover, boys and girls, are THE MUSCLES, and it all starts in the mind! So THAT is where the attention, and discipline, needs to be. You must stay mindful, and focused, and fully aware. Life "wax on, wax off…" but a heck of a lot more fun!

Do these things and we guarantee that you will soon take the ""work"" OUT of your workout. And make it play. And what self-respecting adult wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to truly play, and reap all the benefits that go with that? Trish and I wouldn’t give it up for anything. Neither should you.

• You start dreading your workouts… seeing them as a burden, and even on a good day, an annoyance!
• You begin looking for, and coming up with, excuses NOT to exercise. Things like "my pinkie hurts" or "my dog needs my company".
• You find yourself hanging out with very "unfit" people, and make fun of people who continue to be involved in maintaining their good health.
• You find yourself looking longingly at advertisements that promise weight loss and health WITHOUT exercise.
• You frantically search the Internet for evidence that finally PROVES that exercise is really bad for you.
• You blurt out statements like: "I’m going to die anyway, I might as well be fat, unfit, and miserable whilst I’m alive!". YIPES!

Well, loyal readers, you already know that lovely Trish is Pregnant! Over 8 weeks now! Throughout her term, we will be keeping you informed of her program, and progress, in and out of the gym. We will be sharing with you the exercises that she chooses, and how they enhance her process. Also, you will know about her anxieties, and concerns, along the way. So, as we always say, "KEEP READING… the best is yet to come!".