I’ve been talking lots to journalists lately for some reason. Not sure if it’s the blog or if I’m coming to be known as someone who answers the phone and talks to reporters, but I’ve been in the news a few times recently.
First, there was the campus gym dress code story. See here. I also blogged about it, Sam changes her mind about gyms and dress codes.
And then a sports reporter for the New York Times called and asked me about Chris Bosh. See Chris Bosh’s Desire to Play Leaves Heat at an Ethical Crossroads.
So far so good. But I got stumped when a journalist working on a piece on New Year’s resolutions asked me for unorthodox advise I’d give to people just starting out.
Here’s the question: Please share three, perhaps-surprising/unorthodox things would you recommend women do to kick-start their fitness journey.
I did one does in these situations. I texted for outside help.
Here’s what Sarah had to say:
1. Use your imagination to seek fun. Think and research beyond the usual treadmill, aerobics, and yoga until you find a sport or activity that when you picture yourself doing it, you’re having a blast.
2. Don’t underestimate the importance of convenience. The effort you put into getting to a thing, whether it’s driving across town or choosing an outfit you’re willing to be seen in, is part of that activity. Choosing things that are easy to access for you will improve your chances of sticking with them long-term.
3. Community is important. Whether you find a place that has it, or build your own by working out with friends, doing things with people is way more fun!
What’s your answer? What unorthodox advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Here’s what I said in response to the same question: 1. Get rid of the scale to divorce your fitness goals from weight loss, 2. Don’t include a food-restricting diet, 3. Join a group doing an activity you like alreadybor are curious about (like a running group or swimming group or triathlon club or dance class, yoga class, etc. )
Pick things that you can see yourself still doing at age 75. It’s really awesome to see people hiking, swimming etc in their 70s and you want to cultivate a taste for things you can afford to do well into retirement.
Have a sense of humour. It’s ok to feel ridiculous when putting on new gear or trying something new. Laugh at it. Own the awkwardness. You will only be that sucky once and it makes a great story.
Plan on failing/quitting the new thing or new goal and define success as the trying, regrouping or the knowledge you gained from the experience and try again or something else. Also makes a great story, like that time I tried Laughing Yoga. Ya. Too weird.
Think about why you want to be fitter. Is it health, being able to carry groceries, improving at something you enjoy, or what? An activity you love but can’t do very often (anything from once a week to a couple of times a year) can be a great motivator.
Realize you don’t have to love every moment. There’s a scene from House I find tremendously liberating.
Find a way to keep track of your progress. For weight training, this is built-in — you lift more weight. For other activities, keep track of speed, distance or difficulty. Few things are as motivating as improvement.