Lots of Christmas excitement in my household, probably in yours too. This is such a great time of year, but it can also be stressful with so much to do.

With all the holiday activities, it can be really hard to start or maintain an exercise program. Working out ends up taking a backseat to everything else.

So if you’re having trouble getting started or fitting in your workouts this holiday season, I’m going to expose a fitness myth below that’ll help you a lot.

Read on, because you’re going to like what I have to say…

Yours in Health,

Dimitri

Fitness Myths Exposed (Part II)

The Myth of All or Nothing – Whether you’re trying to get started with a workout program or trying to stick with the one you’ve already started, this myth can be a back-breaker.

The biggest “newbie” mistake I see with folks just starting out is being too aggressive. Sure, everybody want’s results…ummm…yesterday. That’s natural. But if you’re being too aggressive with your workouts in the early stages, chances are you’ll quit. Why? Pain during the workout (it’s hard work) and soreness after the workout (to be expected) are certainly culprits. But the BIG problem is an “all or nothing” attitude.

Here’s how it happens. You start your new program and the first couple workouts are great. You go hard, feel good about yourself (despite the soreness) and build some momentum. Then something happens. A scheduling conflict, or something comes up last minute, and you miss a workout. AARGHH! Then one missed workout leads to another, and your desperation and sense of futility grows. And you think, “why bother, I can’t make this work!” and you quit.

Maybe a few months later, the cycle begins again. New goals, new commitment. “This time will be different,” you tell yourself. But it isn’t. Same result, different month. (This is why the BEST results – and in some cases, the ONLY results – are achieved when you have external accountability from a coach and trainer, like me. Yes, self-serving, I know, but also the truth.)

You don’t always have to spend 30 minutes on the treadmill or 40 minutes lifting weights every time. If you’ve got a conflict, fine. Stuff happens. But still do something and move past the “all or nothing” mentality.

Let’s say you’ve got a conflict and can’t get your regular workout in. What do you do to sustain the momentum and to ensure you get your “personal victory” that day? The answer is simple. Just bang out a couple sets of body weight squats and push-ups. Takes five minutes. Or do some walking lunges and sit-ups, right there in your house or office…or wherever. Run a couple sprints. Heck, you can even tighten (flex) your abdominal muscles and hold for 20-30 seconds while you’re sitting at your desk. Do that ten times and tell me if you don’t feel it!

The point is this: DO SOMETHING! (Sorry to “yell” but it’s that important.)

And here’s one more quick, but VERY important tip: do not sabotage your diet. Even if you must miss a workout and can’t even fit in a 5 minute “tune-up” workout, don’t throw in the towel and hit Wendy’s for a triple with cheese. Don’t do it. Because even if you miss your workout, you can still stick to your supportive eating diet. And conquering that urge to give up reinforces your commitment to yourself and keeps you on track for results…on track for the body you want.

“All or nothing” is a dangerous mental state. Don’t fall for it. Daily progression, in some form or fashion, and sustained commitment give you the confidence that you can achieve your goal. And I’m always just a phone call or email away in case you need external motivation, support and instruction!

Merry Christmas!

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