The 7 Habits of Highly Fit People #6 - Learn what others are doing and share what works for you – synergize!

1. Get started!
2. End Goal – weight or waist size or body image?
3. Kitchen first, gym second!
4. Win-Win-Win by balancing nutrition, exercise and rest!
5. Listen to your body – don’t over fuel it or over work it!
6. Learn what others are doing and share what works for you – synergize!
7. Learn as much about nutrition and fitness as you are interested in! 

This concept as it relates to fitness, is best described when one looks at team sports.  A team can never expect to be the best unless all are growing in the same direction.  In Daniel James Brown’s – The Boys In The Boat – it was all rowing together in the same direction or what he referred to as getting into their ‘swing’.  Many people that are fit like to workout with others that have similar interests and are usually a very welcoming bunch to anyone just trying to get in shape.  Keep the energy positive around you and run, don’t walk from any negative people in your life that will compromise your goals.

Consider finding a workout buddy – someone who you can count on to help push you forward when you don’t feel like it and vice versa.  The research says that people will usually push themselves harder when they are working with another person.  I did a body building competition with my son a few years back when I turned 55 and he turned 22.  He was certainly a huge inspiration for me and without realizing it pushed me to work harder than I ever imagined possible and I am proud of the accomplishment.

You are never to old to learn and of course, to teach.  Again, I had to take direction from my son to get in the best shape I ever experienced in my life.  I adopted the attitude that when the student is ready to learn the teacher will appear – so be ready if that is your goal!

To connect with me personally, visit the contact page at SexHealthDoc.com.

The 7 Habits of Highly Fit People #5 - Listen to your body – don’t over fuel it or over work it!

1. Get started!
2. End Goal – weight or waist size or body image?
3. Kitchen first, gym second!
4. Win-Win-Win by balancing nutrition, exercise and rest!
5. Listen to your body – don’t over fuel it or over work it!
6. Learn what others are doing and share what works for you – synergize!
7. Learn as much about nutrition and fitness as you are interested in! 

A lot of us refuse to listen to what our bodies have to tell us.  The easiest examples are around alcohol and caffeine.  Many people I have talked to through the years told me that their bodies get really “sick” when they drink too much or consume too much coffee.  Instead of listening to the body signals, they ignore it and keep on going until they become dependent.  

Our bodies talk to us all the time about nutrition, exercise and rest.  It becomes a conscious effort whether we choose to listen or not.  For example, think about all the warning signals you get from exercise.  If you continue to push yourself after a strain, it could develop into a sprain or worse an internal tear. 

It’s important to change our attitude when our body is speaking to us.  Think of the metaphor of your automobile’s engine – there are gauges to help you know what is going on.  For example, oil pressure, temperature and fuel.  You have learned to read those gauges as warnings that you need to take action and your body is no different.  You use it hard and if you don’t bother with proper nutrition or rest, and it will stop running altogether.

To connect with me personally, visit the contact page at SexHealthDoc.com.

7 habits of highly fit people #4 - Win-Win-Win by balancing nutrition, exercise and rest!

1. Get started!
2. End Goal – weight or waist size or body image?
3. Kitchen first, gym second!
4. Win-Win-Win by balancing nutrition, exercise and rest!
5. Listen to your body – don’t over fuel it or over work it!
6. Learn what others are doing and share what works for you – synergize!
7. Learn as much about nutrition and fitness as you are interested in!

Fit people know the benefits of healthy nutritional choices, coupled with exercise and sleep.  There is so much research coming out on the effects of too little sleep or sleep that is constantly interrupted.  As hard as this might be to believe, some of the healthiest people are getting 7 -9 hours of uninterrupted sleep daily.  

The health benefits are remarkable in reducing stress levels, increasing energy and improving attitude. 

Finding the balance for exercise may prove to be a bit of a challenge for many people who spend long hours at the office.  No matter what the research says, people tend to disregard the findings that clearly state there is a slide of diminishing returns when one works past 40 hours.  The research claims you are not as productive after 40 hours as you were before.  Be that as it may, try to fit some extra walking in during your day.  

Learn to be creative, try a walking meeting instead of sitting for one or take the stairs instead of the elevator. If you have an office and can close the door, think of doing some pushups in between calls or you can even try the 7 Minutes workout – an App on your smart phone.  I have found a wearable device, such as Fitbit to be incredibly motivating.

Finally, refer to Habit 3 – Kitchen first, gym second to consider how to make healthier nutritional choices.

To connect with me personally, visit the contact page at SexHealthDoc.com.

7 Habits of Highly Fit People #3 - Kitchen First

1. Get started!
2. End Goal – weight or waist size or body image?
3. Kitchen first, gym second!
4. Win-Win-Win by balancing nutrition, exercise and rest!
5. Listen to your body – don’t over fuel it or over work it!
6. Learn what others are doing and share what works for you – synergize!
7. Learn as much about nutrition and fitness as you are interested in!

Getting your body in shape starts in the kitchen.  As much as I don’t like to admit it – the saying holds true – you are what you eat!  So dump the processed sugars, reduce your caffeine intake, moderate the alcohol or just try starting to consume water as your only beverage.  I know it sounds harsh but you just might be surprised at how much different your food tastes.  Explore a bit on foods that you would enjoy and that are healthy for you.  Rubs and spices can enhance the flavor to something you could really enjoy. 

I think one of the biggest problems people can have with this habit is in regards to taste.  Many of us complain that eating healthy does not always taste good or delicious.  This is one area that pays off with huge dividends if we are willing to research a little and expand our network to possibly include a nutritionist and/or consult with a chef.  

Personally I have learned to substitute spinach for all my salads and incorporate fresh fruits in along with protein sources such as chicken.  There are many great Apps for the smartphone to help make good nutritional decisions.

To connect with me personally, visit the contact page at SexHealthDoc.com.