The weather has been teasing us lately with a few sunny breaks from the dreariness of winter.
Even though we’re probably due for a few more cold snaps, the transitional warm snaps always manage to lure out one particular faction of society: the joggers.
But just as fast as they appear, most joggers disappear back into their air-conditioned houses or cars for the rest of the summer.
This is a plea to anyone who is beginning a workout plan this spring. Stick with it. This could be your breakthrough year if you give it a chance.
The benefits of regular exercise have been adequately documented. There’s no point in explaining why people should work out.
What people really need to understand is how long they should expect to exercise before they see any results.
Everybody’s body works a little differently, so it may take one person longer to adapt to a workout than another. And it’s usually going to take longer to notice results than whatever target period you have scheduled.
Trust me, it does eventually get easier. But that won’t come until after some hard work. The trick is to mentally toughen yourself enough to persevere even when it seems like you’re working out for nothing.
Some people seem to think that after a week or so of exercising they should be up to speed with experienced runners. This is of course not the case.
Every winter scores of people tell themselves that they’re going to get out more once the weather shapes up. Then, every spring, those people are unleashed on the world for a furious week or two of jogging, or whatever workout they prefer, before their limits are tested.
This is the time of year when regular joggers start to notice a lot of new faces suddenly appearing on the street. It’s even more obvious than the New Year’s resolution surge, which is understandably hampered by the cold weather. But after a couple weeks the number of new runners begins to thin out. Then, inevitably, warm weather gives way to hot, and, as the old adage says, only the strong survive.
But there is no reason why we cannot all be strong enough to exercise on a regular basis. Certainly finding the time in a busy schedule can be an obstacle, but nobody said that you have to work out every day to get in shape. Exercising two or three times a week will have an impact after your body gets used to being pushed.
And then, if you do stick with your exercise regimen, the most wonderful things start happening. You notice the changes.
Suddenly you can run a little farther without losing your breath. You can lift a little more weight without exhausting your muscles. Or you can play ball longer without getting worn out.
Then your ego really kicks in. Once you realize that all the hard work you put in is finally paying off, it only makes you want more.
When you notice a little less fat in the mirror it makes you want to drop whatever you’re doing and immediately go run some more.
When you notice slight changes in your muscle tone it makes you want to hit the weights even harder. It’s amazing what a little progress can do for your mind-set.
This is one of the few times when vanity can actually be a healthy trait.
But if working out just doesn’t seem to agree with your body, and you can’t fathom the idea of dieting, then try to be content with yourself. Stress is a killer, and stress over weight or appearance can be particularly intense.
So if you don’t lead what the experts would call a “healthy” lifestyle, then please try to be satisfied with the way you are. Because unhealthy living coupled with stress is going to be much worse for your body than unhealthy living alone.
For those that do intend to make an effort to exercise this spring, now that your cold weather excuse has gone away, be prepared for an uphill climb.
Nobody said getting in shape was easy. And there are no pills or miracle machines to do it for you. You’re just going to have to sweat it out.
Remember that when it feels like you can’t go any further and your body is screaming at you to quit, that’s the crucial moment when you have to decide to keep going.
Those moments, and they may come on a daily basis, are going to set the tone for how successful your workouts will be.
Your body isn’t used to that much physical discomfort, and your brain instinctually tells you that if you would just sit still the pain will go away. So it’s up to you to override your thoughts, ignore the pain and keep moving.
Of course, remember to drink lots of water all day and be sure to stretch out before you exercise. And bear in mind, it’s important to push yourself while you’re exercising, but common sense should be employed.
The last thing we need is somebody working out to the point of hurting their body rather than helping.
So to those people who are trying to get in shape this spring and summer, I salute you.
Even if you don’t make it very far before you throw in the towel, there’s a lot to be said for trying. You’re definitely on the right track.
Jason Browne is a senior communication major. He can be reached at [email protected].