In my business the hardest thing to do is admit you are out of shape. So here is the hardest thing: I know I am not in bad shape, but my body is not at it’s best by far. Vacation is over and so now are the excuses.
What must I do to get back into peak condition? The same things you do. Five rules for getting back in shape: Prepare, Eat smart, Plan ahead, Flex, and above all be Expect to be less than perfect.
1. Be prepared. Set some goals and frame them as a daily plan. Have your gym bag ready every day and take it with you even if you don’t think you’ll have time for the gym.
2. Eat smart. Start the day knowing what you are going to eat and take it with you. Not just lunch but a snack or two and dinner if you know it’s going to be a long day. Eating is half the battle, sometimes all the battle. Don’t lose the war because your eating strategy didn’t leave the house with you.
3. Plan ahead and put it all into your daily planer. Write down your work times, your appointments and your workouts and meals. Manage your time before things come up and by prioritizing your days you will be able to stay with your program.
4. Flexibility is not just for yoga class anymore. Life is what happens to you while you are least expecting it. If you hit a big time or personal obstacle, don’t give up on yourself. Find an alternative and stay focused.
5. Give yourself a break. You worked late, the gym is closed, your kids are sick, your spouse is out of town. Go home, put your kids to bed and put your feet up. You are only human. That workout can wait till tomorrow when you are more mentally and physically ready for it.
In short: know what you need to do to reach your goal. Make time to do it. Make your plan of attack fool-proof but recognize when an organized retreat is best for you and come back to fight another day. That’s how I do it. So can you.
LivFit!
Marc Mason,
