How important is physical fitness to your success?

Just do it!

Sounds familiar? Nike was right with this simple slogan, but I wonder how many are serious about physical exercise and fitness.

A recent article on physical activity statistics by Sarah Marshall on MyFit.ca gave this sobering summary: “Over 60% of adults don’t get the recommended amount of regular physical activity. Worse, 25% of all adults don’t get enough physical activity!” are not active at all Nearly 50% of 12-21 year olds do not engage in vigorous activity on a regular basis Only 19% of all high school students are physically active for 20 minutes or more in physical education classes every days during the school week. How do you measure yourself? No pun intended, as my measurements have steadily increased over the years as my exercise routines have decreased.

Staying in shape is vital to healthy living, as my doctor reminds me at our regular semi-annual visits. Making time to be fit is another matter. We can all look at our daily calendars and say there just isn’t enough time. But is time or lack of it really the problem?

Of course not. When we’re honest with ourselves, the truth is that we just don’t see it as a high enough priority. Many other more pressing activities crowd in and fill every waking moment. In fact, if you’re like me, an avid multitasker, you’re handling at least two, if not more, demands at once. You probably sing the same song with me, ‘There just isn’t enough time! ‘

But is that true? I have several friends who run miles every day and live very busy, productive and successful lives. So what is my problem?

I know that I need to get physically fit or at least make time every day to exercise. It is not likely that at my stage of life I will need or be able to develop a body like Arnold S. but it would be great to have more energy to play with my grandchildren. Then what should I do? What can you do to make sure you have time to stay fit?

The first thing I did recently was recognize that a holistic approach might be the best motivator. I realized that being physically fit without paying attention to my mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being would not serve my long-term goals.

mental fitness

Anything we want to accomplish begins with our state of mind. Training and education are critical components to mental fitness. Just like physical exercise, we can train our minds through a variety of methods by using our natural curiosity to keep our minds alert and active.

Emotional-Fitness

Keeping our emotions in check is easier for some than others. I have always considered myself a very self-confident and emotionally stable person. In recent years I have faced some very challenging experiences that have tested my stability and confidence. I realize now that if I hadn’t been practicing solid emotional ‘exercises’ by taking the time to understand myself and get in touch with my emotions, the challenges I faced and still face could have thrown me off balance.

Spiritual Fitness

This area is too often ignored, and yet it has also gained a lot of press in recent years. Your spiritual mastery is not just about what ‘religion’ you adhere to or what ‘belief system’ you follow. It has more to do with being in touch with the Creator of all life. Without attention to the basic Laws of Nature or the Spiritual Laws of the universe, life is meaningless. A recent book by Reverend Graham Tomlin, ‘Spiritual Fitness’ talks about the necessary balance between spiritual and physical fitness. One reader wrote: “(in) ‘Spiritual Fitness’ (the author) conceptualized a powerful antidote to the consumer and luxury driven culture that modern media heralds…”.

physical aptitude

Finally, physical fitness, when balanced with all areas of our lives, becomes something we cannot do without and still enjoy a full, vibrant and successful life. I’m not suggesting you start running marathons tomorrow, but a little walk every day will do your heart and mind a lot of good.

One man I have read about walked thousands of miles, if not hundreds of thousands, through most Middle Eastern countries, including Turkey, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Sicily, Malta, Israel, Lebanon. All of this he did when there were no modern roads as he toured these areas during the 1st century AD He was an avid writer and spoke about the importance of training using Greek play. gymnasium when he wrote these words talking about life, “Run (life) in such a way that you get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games (life) enters into strict training. They do it to get a crown (gold medal). ) that won’t last, but we do it to get a crown (reward) that will last forever!” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

What are you going to do now? I suggest you evaluate these four areas of your life. Are they in balance? Do you spend time in each area every day to become a strong and balanced person? Do you need to consult a coach in any of these areas?

I must run now, or more specifically take the dog for a walk!

Remember: the best is yet to come!