Hello, loyal UNBers and welcome back to my sixth installment of “Fitness Corner”. My name is Darrin Miller and I’m the fitness staff writer for UNB. Nothing says classic like black and white photography, low rise briefs, and a sporty fedora. This week I’m making a bold statement by combining all three of these as seen here in a pair of white and slate gray briefs manufactured by Sweat, as captured through the lens of one of the classic male physique photogs in the biz – Gary Gonzalez of NorCalBodz.
Last week I covered the 2nd of three ways to leverage the fitness goals you have set – “Goals As Reflection”. This week I’ll focus on the 3rd and final way:
Goals As Discipline & Willpower:
As mentioned in my first posting for any goal to be achievable, that goal must meet five attributes (refer to earlier postings to learn about these attributes). So why then do people who create goals which feature these attributes fail to bring their goals to realization? Well, let’s not forget the second ingredient of reaching goals – hard work. Most of the time people fail to realize goals – not because the goals were unrealistic, not because the goals could not be measured, not because any of the attributes were violated – but because the work required to attain these goals was postponed, avoided or forgotten. One of the chief benefits of well-developed goals is that they foster strong self-discipline and willpower. After all, it is very easy to forget why you are doing something when you have nothing around to remind you why you are doing it. You know the old saying “out of sight, out of mind.” Without your fitness goals posted and revisited on a regular basis, it is very easy to forget why you are blasting your biceps into pain, trying to run one more ¼ mile this week, or foregoing that piece of chocolate cake. If you have any doubts that simply seeing your goals (i.e. something you feel passionately about) will help keep you focused, take a moment and think about your family. How many times at work have you wanted just to walk out or asked yourself, “What the hell am I doing here?”; only to look across your desk and see some photographs of your family and then remember why you are working and attempting to do the best you can in your career. Your fitness goals should be just like that family photograph – something you can reach out to, feel comfort in, and serve as a reminder as to why you are exerting yourself as you do.
In addition to hard work, a sure fire way to ensure your goals will come to maturation is to see yourself already having reached these goals and constantly telling yourself that you can reach these goals-visualization and self affirmation. This will be the focus of my next few articles.
Exercise is not without its risks and this or any other exercise program may result in injury. To reduce the risk of injury in your case, consult your doctor before beginning this or any exercise program. The instructors and advice presented in this blog are in no way intended as a substitute for medical consultation, the instructor disclaims any liability from and in connection with this program. As with any exercise program, if at any point during your workout you begin to feel faint, dizzy, or have physical discomfort, you should stop immediately and consult a physician.
