The warm weather has arrived. That means leaving the family room and heading outside for some sunlight and fun! Every year around this time we get to meet some new people who are super motivated to start getting their health and fitness in line. We also see a big drop off in those that already had their health and fitness under control as they disappear into the never ending party of spring and summer. The sad part is that both of these people will work extremely hard to fix mistakes they made either during the colder months when they're hiding under layers of clothing, or mistakes made during the warmer months when adult beverages and snack foods make up the larger part of their diets.
Why does it have to be this way? Why can't there be some middle ground, some compromise? Well compromise and moderation is for cowards isn't it? I don't think so. The key to staying healthy and fit over a long period of time is to find some give and take. Be okay with just showing up and doing your best even if its not 100%. Instead of going off the deep end and not working out for three months straight, how about make it to the gym twice a week with a nice long hike or a run on a weekend? Instead of eating and drinking everything you can get your hands on one month, and then trying to make up for it by starving yourself the next month, wouldn't it be easier to just eat as well as you can and allow yourself a little freedom here and there to cheat?
I want everyone to enjoy the warm weather. I think everyone deserves the freedom to turn off their busy work life brains and have an ice cold beer if that's what they want. Family time becomes more and more important as I get older. For me, that means not spending 3-4 hours training everyday anymore and enjoying the time I have with my family and niece and nephew while they're still young. Health and fitness is and always will be a priority though. We only get one body and one mind, and if we don't treat it well, it won't be there to support us when we need it. So make sure to still get in and exercise and move. Make sure you're paying some attention to what you're eating and drinking this summer. How much you abuse yourself now will impact how hard you have to make yourself work in the winter and vice versa.
Exercise and nutrition are a lifetime medicine. Just make sure you're getting that daily dose.
See you soon!
Coach Mike
