What are your Priorities?

What are your Priorities?

Last Friday night, I had just left my school after training until 8pm. It was a beautiful May night. I was surprised that I had 12 students in the class. All of them were under 21.

As I traveled around the corner, I noticed that the parking lot and the street were jammed with cars. A new restaurant had just opened up around the corner from my school. A very pricey one at that. A friend went there for the opening and spent over $42.00 for their meal. One person, no alcohol and no dessert. Crazy - yet it was Friday night and people were showing up in droves - bellies hanging out, bottles of wine in hand - all waddling to the new eatery to engulf their next meal.

These are the same people who feign surprise when they are informed that they have diabetes, coronary issues, high blood pressure, back and joint pain and require viagra. They have no problem heading to the Doctor to take another pill for what ails them, regardless of the side effects that they will suffer. Your Blood Pressure is high? Take this pill. You are sad, take this one. Oh, you knees hurt? Take this one - Instead of getting up off of your behind, losing weight and taking control of yourself, take a pill. This is NOT the answer. These are the same people who over indulge in many of life's luxuries. They feel that they have "earned the right". No one has "earned the right" not to train and not to lead a healthy lifestyle. No one. In this life - as far as fitness goes - you are rewarded for your work and sacrifices and suffer the consequences when you don't. No exceptions.

Am I not espousing to live the life of a self depriving monk? No, not at all. However, you do need balance in life. If you want to go out to diner, enjoy a couple of adult beverages, it's OK to do so, just don't make it your only activity and do not negate your training to partake. Do your workout, go to your fitness or martial arts class and THEN go out to "party". Get you workout in and be disciplined. Dan Gable, one of the best wrestlers in the history of the world was so obsessed with his training that when having dinner at a restaurant, he was twisting and wringing the cloth napkin under the table as other were still eating. He didn't want to waste any opportunity to train. There were many articles on the great Jack La Lane, the Godfather of Fitness. http://www.jacklalanne.com/jacks-adventures/ If Jack La Lane went out late one night, he would not skip his morning workout. He'd get up and train, even if he had only one or two hours of sleep. He lived to a ripe old age of 96 and he looked great! If I could, I'd sign up for the contract today! In truth, I am writing my own contract and so can you.

How can this be accomplished? You may say to yourself that you are not the greatest wrestler in the world, that you are not the most famous fitness expert or an Olympic Athlete. Don't focus on what you are not, focus on what you are. You are in control of yourself. What's to stop you from getting up 10 minutes earlier and doing your push-ups and abdominals every morning? No one "makes" you over-eat, practice portion control. Make it Your Priority to train and get to your class. Not only will you improve physically, but you will enjoy an improved mental condition and even aid in combating and/or avoiding depression. The release of endorphins is an incredible high and carries you through the day - not to mention releases tons of stress.

Treat yourself to a better, longer and more productive life. By simple adherence to a workout regiment and some disciplined eating habits, you will be writing your own contract to a healthy, longer and more productive life. OK - gotta go now. My dog wants to go for a run with me!