What is the relationship between fitness and fulfillment? A shift in your approach to health and fitness may just be the key to your next personal or professional breakthrough.
After a 2.5 year hiatus from cycling due to surgeries on each of my shoulders, I rode my bicycle yesterday after work. My husband and I did a 10.1-mile trail ride in just over an hour. I’m certainly slower than I once was, but the instant I was back on that bike and pedaling…it was like magic! Cycling is not only good for my body; it is good for my mind. My immediate goal is to conquer the 10% hill at the very end of our regular trail ride (I had to walk part of it yesterday). My next goal is to complete the CAGA Tour de Belt in Harrisburg, PA at the beginning of June (just about 20 miles). And my long-term goal for 2018 is to do the Sea Gull Century (100 miles in one day) on Saturday, October 6th. I did the SGC back in 2014 and it was an incredible experience. And I was in the best shape of my 30s at that point. I’m 41 now and time isn’t being kind, LOL. I need this!!! Thanks for this boost today, Dan!
Great goals, Beth. And I know exactly what you mean about cycling. It’s impossible to check a smart phone while you’re riding a trail. The mind is constantly occupied absorbing critical information and making both conscious and unconscious decisions. It’s that perfect state of relaxed concentration, while simultaneously pushing your body to the limits. I love riding!
This was such a great message Dan. Having played tennis and running cross-country during high school, exercise wasn’t foreign to me. Everyone knows that exercising is good for your health so I did it regularly because I want to be healthy so I could experience all that life has to offer, whether it be doing something adventurous or being in shape to go sightseeing all day while traveling. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I discovered High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and a great instructor that I actually started to enjoy working out. To address what your five points mean to me:
1. Find the why
I want to be healthy so I can live life to the fullest. Being in shape has definitely made me feel more energized; I no longer take naps during the weekends. I enjoy the challenge of competing with fellow HIIT classmates (it sure is motivating to see how fit they are and to know that I’ll be like them soon if I continue doing HIIT).
2. Set a fitness goal
I’d like to be able to do one pull up.
3. Make a plan
I am never allowed to miss the HIIT classes held twice per week. In addition, I must run for 30 minutes for four days a week.
4. Get accountable
Holding myself accountable is enough. It also helps to know that my HIIT instructor pays attention to when I miss class so I better have a good excuse!
5. Get started
It’s so true that I feel fantastic when the class is over. As much as I enjoy the class while I’m exercising, I sometimes have a brief moment when deciding whether to head to the gym if I really want to “torture” myself today. My HIIT instructor is serious about us doing our best so the class is tough but this is when I remind myself of “why” I’m exercising.
I have a goal of walking 11,000 steps a day. Most days, especialy when the weather is nice, I get it done. I have also taken on some gentle 20 minute workouts. I look for ways to ramp them up and get more out of them with time. Some day, I will need to find harder programs. My favorite is the cardio workout.
That’s awesome, Nancy. Consistency is the key, and I do the same thing with my Apple Watch. I’m a bit obsessive about closing all my “activity rings” each day. Often, I’m juggling in the evenings to hone my skills and also complete the challenge. The technological reminder is a big help.
Dan the number 4 is key!
And to not just staying fit! Right?!
It is important to do what we tell others that we are going to do.
Even if it takes forever to get started, hahaha.
And hey i love that shot of you swimming!!!!
Thanks, Tak. I think you’re absolutely right. It’s not “real” until it’s out of your head and shared with someone you respect. Writing goals helps a ton, but sharing them is a whole different level. No swimming yet this year. The water is too cold!
Hi Dan- I had the opportunity to see you present at the KPMG executive conference last year in AZ. You truly inspired me! I left that conference, read your book, and began living a more purposeful life. Since then I’ve made fitness a major part of my life. I am stronger, have more energy, lost 10 lbs, and recently ran the fastest 5k of my life (under 28 min). I never thought I could ever be a runner but here I am! I watch your weekly coachings and tell everyone how you have inspired me to change my life and even give out copies of your book to others. THANK YOU!!! Not only for your inspiration to making fitness a part of my life, but in general how you teach people how to create the kind of life they want.
We use cookies on this website. To learn about the cookies we use and your preferences, please click here. By using our website, you agree to the use of our cookies.
Thanks again!!!
You bet, Ed.
After a 2.5 year hiatus from cycling due to surgeries on each of my shoulders, I rode my bicycle yesterday after work. My husband and I did a 10.1-mile trail ride in just over an hour. I’m certainly slower than I once was, but the instant I was back on that bike and pedaling…it was like magic! Cycling is not only good for my body; it is good for my mind. My immediate goal is to conquer the 10% hill at the very end of our regular trail ride (I had to walk part of it yesterday). My next goal is to complete the CAGA Tour de Belt in Harrisburg, PA at the beginning of June (just about 20 miles). And my long-term goal for 2018 is to do the Sea Gull Century (100 miles in one day) on Saturday, October 6th. I did the SGC back in 2014 and it was an incredible experience. And I was in the best shape of my 30s at that point. I’m 41 now and time isn’t being kind, LOL. I need this!!! Thanks for this boost today, Dan!
Great goals, Beth. And I know exactly what you mean about cycling. It’s impossible to check a smart phone while you’re riding a trail. The mind is constantly occupied absorbing critical information and making both conscious and unconscious decisions. It’s that perfect state of relaxed concentration, while simultaneously pushing your body to the limits. I love riding!
This was such a great message Dan. Having played tennis and running cross-country during high school, exercise wasn’t foreign to me. Everyone knows that exercising is good for your health so I did it regularly because I want to be healthy so I could experience all that life has to offer, whether it be doing something adventurous or being in shape to go sightseeing all day while traveling. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I discovered High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and a great instructor that I actually started to enjoy working out. To address what your five points mean to me:
1. Find the why
I want to be healthy so I can live life to the fullest. Being in shape has definitely made me feel more energized; I no longer take naps during the weekends. I enjoy the challenge of competing with fellow HIIT classmates (it sure is motivating to see how fit they are and to know that I’ll be like them soon if I continue doing HIIT).
2. Set a fitness goal
I’d like to be able to do one pull up.
3. Make a plan
I am never allowed to miss the HIIT classes held twice per week. In addition, I must run for 30 minutes for four days a week.
4. Get accountable
Holding myself accountable is enough. It also helps to know that my HIIT instructor pays attention to when I miss class so I better have a good excuse!
5. Get started
It’s so true that I feel fantastic when the class is over. As much as I enjoy the class while I’m exercising, I sometimes have a brief moment when deciding whether to head to the gym if I really want to “torture” myself today. My HIIT instructor is serious about us doing our best so the class is tough but this is when I remind myself of “why” I’m exercising.
Inspiring, Lily! Thanks for sharing your plan and your passion for fitness. I’m sure you encouraged a lot of folks by doing so, myself included!
I have a goal of walking 11,000 steps a day. Most days, especialy when the weather is nice, I get it done. I have also taken on some gentle 20 minute workouts. I look for ways to ramp them up and get more out of them with time. Some day, I will need to find harder programs. My favorite is the cardio workout.
That’s awesome, Nancy. Consistency is the key, and I do the same thing with my Apple Watch. I’m a bit obsessive about closing all my “activity rings” each day. Often, I’m juggling in the evenings to hone my skills and also complete the challenge. The technological reminder is a big help.
Dan the number 4 is key!
And to not just staying fit! Right?!
It is important to do what we tell others that we are going to do.
Even if it takes forever to get started, hahaha.
And hey i love that shot of you swimming!!!!
Thanks, Tak. I think you’re absolutely right. It’s not “real” until it’s out of your head and shared with someone you respect. Writing goals helps a ton, but sharing them is a whole different level. No swimming yet this year. The water is too cold!
Hi Dan- I had the opportunity to see you present at the KPMG executive conference last year in AZ. You truly inspired me! I left that conference, read your book, and began living a more purposeful life. Since then I’ve made fitness a major part of my life. I am stronger, have more energy, lost 10 lbs, and recently ran the fastest 5k of my life (under 28 min). I never thought I could ever be a runner but here I am! I watch your weekly coachings and tell everyone how you have inspired me to change my life and even give out copies of your book to others. THANK YOU!!! Not only for your inspiration to making fitness a part of my life, but in general how you teach people how to create the kind of life they want.