fitness

I am finding at 50+ that fitness is more of a necessity than what it was when I was younger. When I was younger, and into fitness, it was more so I could look better. Getting healthier and feeling better was sort of a side effect. Now that I'm older it has turned around. I am doing it to be healthier and feel better, and a side effect is that my body has changed.

I find that consistency is the most important thing with all fitness activities. It's sort of like learning a new skill. You have to keep at it to let it develop and become part of your life. It isn't just about the physical activity or eating better (although those things are very important). There is also the mental side that is just as important as doing the things. You have to get your mind used to finding the time to make it part of your life.

With all fitness things it is good to start off slow and easy. It isn't terribly important how much you do at first, as long as it keeps repeating. Plan it, commit to doing it, do it. It gives you an idea of how much you can handle, and gets your mind used to doing it.

If it's too easy, add a little more to the next until it is harder. If it is too much, don't push too hard. Always try not to do too much too soon. Injury is very discouraging. Find the balance between too easy and too much. Be committed to your routine, but at the same time also don't be too rigid about it. A missed day is history when the next day begins. Forget about it and move on. Never stop educating yourself about fitness, and never be afraid to try new things. Let the routine evolve as you learn more through education and experience.

If you keep at it, and keep adding a little more, you will inevitably start to feel better. I would never say that it is easy, but it does get easier, and more enjoyable.

There will be times when it seems that all the effort is for nothing. Especially in the beginning. You have to get your mind around not seeing or feeling the results from your efforts for a time. I read a term awhile ago that stuck with me. It was: Have Faith In The Process. Don't get discouraged by the lack of results in the beginning.

I find it very useful to track everything you do. It doesn't need to be complicated. It can be a tracker on your wrist, an app, or a notebook and a pen. Even if you are only recording time, date, what you did, and how much you did. It is important to have something to look back on and say, wow, I remember when THAT was all I could manage. The only person you should ever compare yourself to or compete with is your past self.