Everyone wants to know the secret sauce when it comes to fitness before they get started. It's one of the things that keep folks from starting (like I talked about in my last post). After 20 years in the professional fitness world, I can tell you it's not some fancy program or a mysterious new supplement. It's something far simpler yet unmatched in its power: consistency.
Now, I get it, consistency might not sound like the sexiest thing, but let me reframe it for you. Winning at fitness isn't about reaching your goal weight or setting a personal best in your 5k or breaking your personal record on a deadlift. It's about embracing the process, day in and day out. Why? Because your health and fitness is a lifelong pursuit.
There's no need to sprint to the finish or stress about perfection. You could have the greatest fitness and nutrition program in the world, but if you never follow it or only follow it sometimes, you'll never reap the rewards. But, if you're consistently putting in the effort no matter the program you follow, you'll reap rewards beyond measure.
Because health and fitness operate on a compounding scale over the long term. Every little "deposit" you make, whether it's a walk around the block or a couple of strength training sessions each week, adds up over time.
Sure, at first, you might not see the immediate payoff. But stick with it, and one day you'll surprise yourself by effortlessly lifting something heavy or bounding up the stairs without a second thought instead of being out fo breath.
Conversely, if you're constantly making "withdrawals" from your health account – neglecting exercise, making poor food choices, shunning good sleep for another episode on Netflix...well, you're setting yourself up for a steep decline.
Here's the kicker: just as there's no finish line for fitness, there's no end point for poor health either. Time and neglect will chip away at your physical well-being until there's nothing left.
I tell you this not to scare you, but to encourage you. Because the silver lining is that consistently showing up for your health doesn't have to be a Herculean effort.
You can (and should) start small. A daily walk, a couple of strength training sessions each week – these seemingly minor actions can have a monumental impact on your overall well-being.
It really is that simple. The data right now shows that just 21 minutes of walking a day can slash your risk of heart disease by a whopping 30%. And when you add in a bit of strength training, you're looking at health benefits that not only add to your longevity, but your overall quality of life. Do those in community with a group of folks aimed at the same goal and you pour fuel on that fire.
You don't have to be a fitness fanatic to transform your health and extend your life. It's as simple as committing to the journey, one step at a time, everyday.
Remember, there's no finish line in sight and that's a good thing. Because as long as you keep showing up, you're already winning. And trust me, that's a victory worth celebrating.
