Why Are You Working Out? Written by Tim Irvine

The most important step is to ask yourself, 'Why am I working out?'  The most common reasons people give are usually quite general:

-          weight loss

-          improved health

-          feel better

-          be more toned, etc.

Other than weight loss, the reasons above have a low chance of being assessed clearly, which means people do not know when, or if, they have reached their goal.

To take it one easy step further, let's use 'improved health' as an example.  To narrow in on a more realistic goal, you need to know what 'improved health' means to you.  Do you want to reduce the risk of a certain disease that runs in your family?  Reduce blood pressure?  Sleep better?  Reduce aches and pains?  Have better mobility as you age?

If 'reduce blood pressure' was your second level reason, then get specific with that.  For example, know what your blood pressure is today and then determine a target that you want to get to.  From this, a number of action items will come up.  Depending on the circumstances they may include:
perform more cardio work, change diet, begin taking medication, add an additional training session, etc.  Once these action items have been identified, you are on your way to specifically working towards your target.

Most importantly, you now know why you are working out every time you put on your running shoes.

This process should be repeated each time you have reached your target.  As you progress, your capacity will improve and the available options will also expand with your fitness level.

To recap, here are the steps:

1.  Ask your self 'Why am I working out?".

2.  Make your general reason more specific 

3.  From the specific reason, create action items 

4.  Put your action items into a plan and start moving towards your goals 

5.  Repeat the process at the end of each small journey.

The process is simple and can be applied to any area of your life.  Go through the process with your Trainer, Lifestyle Coach or by yourself.  The nice thing is, it is a very satisfying feeling when it all falls into place.  So start today!