Fit in the City - Leigh Ann Root
Black or White
Just like in life, fitness is not black or white. There is not only one way to do it. It's not all or nothing. There are many shades of gray when it comes to exercising one's body. I've talked to many people who say, "I've tried exercise, it didn't work for me." I can't believe people still think exercise doesn't work? Exercise IS for everyone and does make people healthier and more fit. Although, one type of exercise does not fit all. People should experience different activities, in order to find what they enjoy and what fits into their lives. When people say exercise doesn't work for them, it's just another excuse for people not willing or wanting to do it. Many people anticipate the worse cause scenario, so they're not willing to try something new and different. So they don't try at all. I think it's fear based. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, or fear of success. The only black or white thing about exercise is you either want to do it or you don't. Either you are proactive about your health or you are not.
"Black or White" people tend to be a bit cynical and set in their own ways. I feel these people have given in and settled for less. You know this type of person. Things are either good or bad, right or wrong, and rarely involve any gray area. Unfortunately life runs a bit better with a little gray. You know, not so predetermined or expected. Sometimes, it's better to be a little more "go-with-the flow" kind of person. Situations change, environments change, and people change. "Black or white" people, many times, refuse to let change happen and limit themselves to one certain way of living. There's never any wiggle room for anything else to be. If a person constantly looks at things from a black or white point of view, they potentially miss out on a lot of good opportunities in life. Chances to learn, grow and achieve more.
Maybe those people who "fitness didn't work for" weren't ready for it to happen. It could have been about the timing. In order for healthy changes to happen, our minds and bodies need to be in the process together. I encourage people to give fitness another try. Step out into "the gray area" and head into the light. This may, at first, feel like an uncomfortable place, but give it chance. Give yourself the opportunity to adapt and accept the good that will come. Once you begin to move your body as it was made to move and function, you'll be headed in a healthier direction. You don't have to commit to a huge work out program or make big life changes at first. A few slight changes, in the beginning, can get you on your way. These are the building blocks to a stronger body and a healthier lifestyle. Keep it simple. Go for a walk. Eat less junk food. Get an extra hour of sleep each night. Or, maybe the first step is eliminating the negative dialogue going on in your head. Start by replacing can't with can and won't with will.
Living a healthy life involves many areas of gray. I look at the gray as being the balance we all need. Not too strict in one area or another. Life is about enjoying yourself and occasionally indulging in things that make you happy. When you do this, there must be the delicate balance of good and bad. It's the extreme behavior that gets us in trouble. Honor your body by exercising it regularly and fueling it appropriately. Your body is the vehicle that keeps you going through your life. Without it functioning properly, you won't be able to go very far. The road blocks and limitations come quickly.
Fitness needs to be flexible and ever changing for people, as well. We must challenge ourselves, regularly, by trying those things that scare us a bit. Anticipation is always worse than the reality of most situations. When we get out of our comfort zones, we improve and move out of fitness ruts we may have fallen into. Physical and mental fitness are about work and continuous growth. Black or white, the truth about all of us lies somewhere in the gray. Don't you know, gray is the new black this year!
