The other day while running early in the morning, the air was crisp and I sensed a change in the seasons. Along the way, I noticed a few trees are actually starting to change colours. Change is everywhere. Nothing is in stillness. Mother Nature is always at work all around us and this time of year it speaks to the fact that we too can change. Perhaps, it’s time to turn over a new LEAF…?? Here is the acronym that I came up with for the word “leaf” as it relates to health and well-being. I hope you find some inspiration in these words.
L is for Let Go – as in let go of previous attempts and unsuccessful efforts. Exercising regularly and eating cleaner is easier than you think especially when you make small changes little by little. It shouldn’t be a crash course of extreme rules and diets. Follow simple guidelines like what I’ve included in these blog posts and book an appointment to see a trainer to discuss your personal goals and health history. At NRG 4 Life Fitness, anyone ever team of certified and caring trainers are here to motivate you to develop healthy lifelong fitness habits.
This combined approach of regular daily exercise and clean healthy eating will get you on your way to being healthier today. We often hold ourselves back from long-term success, sustained results, and motivation by not letting go of the past. What go now I have anything that no longer serves you. Let the dead bury the dead. Your past does not define your future. In addition, do not think too far ahead either. Focus on taking small steps now versus plunging into too much too soon which can such as up for unrealistic expectations. If the goal is to lose 30 lbs, focus on 1 lb at a time!
E is for, you guessed it, Exercise! – 1 440 min/day. 30 min = less than 5% of a day! Yes, you can do it! Make time. No excuses! Walk, run, lift, push, pull and stretch! Move…our health is not something we can take for granted. It truly is a gift. It is our right to be healthy. This takes practice like any other habit, however the more we move, the easier it gets. Momentum builds momentum! Remember to cut yourself some slack. If you miss a day or two, no problem just get back at your routine without any judgement. Sometimes life throws curve balls. Overcome these hurdles and carry-on.
A is for Attitude. You have to believe in YOU, that you can reach any goal are you set for yourself. If there’s any doubt and I mean any doubt, you’re setting yourself up for failure. A healthy attitude starts with nurturing positive self-talk. Start to pay attention to what you’re saying to yourself. With regards to exercise, if you start a group fitness class by saying to yourself, this is so hard, I don’t know why I’m bothering or even womething which may appear to be positive like “don’t stop”, “I won’t quit” Your mind doesn’t discriminate, what it hears is “stop” and “quit”. Surround yourself with positive, respectful and supportive people who are fun to be around.
F is for Fitness – mind, body and spirit. Fitness is more than just physical fitness. It’s beyond aesthetics and a size. It’s about a fit mind and having a spiritual awareness…having a healthy respect for your spirit, your energy. Fitness of spirit is cultivating an awareness that you are deserving of the best, that you have a unique place in this universe and believing in a greater good. Regardless of where we are in our path, no matter how hard things get at times, maintaining a fit and healthy mind and body gives us the strength we need to keep faith. This strength can help us to choose to understand we were put on this earth to be great, to be healthy, to be happy and also to always respect…ourself, the universe, family, our community and to appreciate
All the small things we have because someday we will look back and realize these are really the important parts of our life…