“I find it easy to blow off my workouts, but I still want to be healthy and reach my fitness goals. How can I fix that?”
—Micheal Lawhorn III, Huntington Beach
This is the million-dollar question.
If working out were easy everyone would do it. This is why there are so many infomercials that sell you “easy fitness.”
Whether it is a product or a workout regimen that motivates you, it still comes down to a simple formula: Work = Results.
The answer to the question is to be disciplined.
If you want to lose weight, gain muscle, look good in a bathing suit, or perform better at an event you must have the discipline.
You have to do the work to get the results.
As one of my trainers likes to say, “Everyone wants to go to Heaven but no one wants to die.”
Discipline is the willingness and obedience to all orders, respect for authority, self-reliance and teamwork.
More importantly, self-discipline refers to the training that you give yourself to accomplish a certain task or to adopt a particular pattern of behavior, even though you would rather be doing something else.
For example, denying yourself an extravagant pleasure (such as dessert) in order to accomplish a more demanding goal (such as weight loss).
“Self-discipline is the assertion of willpower over basic desires, and is usually understood to be a synonym of ‘self control’.” (Wikipedia.)
Self-discipline is the single most important thing you need so that you can stick with your fitness plan.
The problem is, it’s easier to give up and fail than to stay disciplined and succeed.
Success takes work.
You have to rely on yourself for discipline and if you can’t you need to find someone that will hold you accountable like a friend, a personal trainer, or a coach.
Everything you do for fitness, health, and wellness requires discipline.
Determine your goals, set your priorities, and stick to them.
All too often people get caught in the fad diets and workouts can be good programs but you have to do them.
Just because you bought an infomercial workout program doesn’t mean you are going to get in shape—you have to work!
In order to make something last it must be sustainable.
When it comes to your health and fitness aim for the stars.
Better yet, how will you keep your fitness discipline fun and something you look forward to?
Here are a few simple steps to develop more discipline so you can have greater control over your fitness program and your life.
1. Set specific, achievable goals—then exceed them!
2. Prioritize—make sure you schedule time for fitness.
3. Stay focused—have reminders of what you are trying to accomplish and why.
4. Buddy up—there is nothing better than a friend or a personal trainer to keep you motivated and on track.
5. Let your success be your momentum– exceeding your goals will further your success by building confidence and respect for yourself.
“Habitual self-control developed through athletics, fitness, or work is an important life skill.” (www.bodybuildbid.com/articles/miscellan/fitness-discipline.html.)
Making your workouts a priority and staying on track is an important first step on the road toward a healthier you and a more fulfilling life.
No matter what your age or current fitness level, with discipline you will improve the quality of your life. Have fun. Get Fit!
About Bryce
Bryce Turner is co-owner of Beach Fitness at 148 Main E and F. He has a bachelor of science degree in physical therapy/exercise science and welcomes your questions on fitness.
Do you have a question for Bryce and this column? He can be reached for questions at (562) 493-8426 or send e-mail to bryce@beachfitness.com.
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