I looked all over the web trying to find a simple inspiring story for this week that would hopefully make you look at any fitness difficulties you may be experiencing a little differently. What I found shouldn’t disappoint.
This is Claire Lomas…
She was a professional horse rider paralyzed from the chest down by a freak riding accident in 2007. I really couldn’t put the following better than how I read it – so here’s an excerpt from one article about the story:
She spent all her time in a wheelchair, at least until January. That’s when she started walking again, thanks to a $75,000 bionic suit.
“It’s amazing after five years of sitting down to be back on my feet,” she said earlier this year, “and it’s fully weight-bearing and I can walk in it as well.”
Each time she steps forward, her suit hisses a sound not dissimilar to Robocop. The ReWalk and two canes support her, and the suit senses when she wants to walk and shifts her weight for her. But it’s not easy. Each day, when she started, she could take only 30 steps. Every moment was a chore, and because she couldn’t feel where she standing, she always feared falling over.
But that didn’t stop her, either. Loman set out to walk 55,000 steps – or 26.2 miles. She set out to run the London Marathon.
She started, alongside 35,000 runners, 16 days ago. Today, in the shadow of Buckingham Palace, she finished — to the screams of thousands of fans who came out to support her.
Here’s a video as well in case you don’t really feel like reading much today
My purpose in showing you this story today is a simple one. I just want for you to think:
“If this woman can fulfill her dreams of an active life, even in overcoming a debilitating accident, what’s stopping you?”
Seriously reflect on that as you take on the rest of your day.
If you feel like stepping things up, but need a little help in reaching your goals – don’t hesitate to contact us using the form in the upper-right portion of this screen. Someone from FDF will follow-up with you ASAP.
One surefire way to injury and un-enjoyable workouts is to push yourself too hard.
While routines are meant to push you towards whatever goal of improvement you may have set, pushing there prematurely may offer more harm than good. Whether you have a trainer or not, there are certain things you should always acknowledge about your limits before you test them too much.
Identify your limits by listening to your body. What fatigues you? What makes you sore beyond belief? This is your body’s way of letting you know that you’re pushing it – and, in some cases, may have went beyond its current abilities.
Properly understand the “no pain – no gain” principle. Sure some discomfort is expected along your fitness journey – that’s to be expected as you gradually challenge yourself. But that phrase means to accept the strain that comes with pushing yourself – it doesn’t mean to sacrifice your body. Even world class athletes have to respect this principle — you should too. When you’re tired or hurt, rest. When you sweat a little – try sweat a little more. Get it?
Always keep in mind that limits stretch over time. As long as you continue to actively work towards your goal, you’ll keep approaching it – and will reach and/or surpass it in due time. As outdated as it sounds, Rome WAS NOT built in a day.
As I mentioned, even world-class athletes like Gold Medal U.S. Gymnast Nastia Liukin here have to know and respect their limits. If Nastia didn't understand what she can do - there's no way she could compete at the level she does. However, if she tries to go beyond her limits, she may literally land on her face because of poor decision-making.
As long as you hold these 3 things in your mind at all times your limits, while acknowledged, will be pushed in ways that are better for your body – allowing your to progress without “breaking yourself” in the process.
Our trainers push and pull on limits all day long – haha – it’s their job. Why not try out a round or two with a professional if you’ve been trying to tap your limits in a healthy way? Use the form in the upper-right corner of this web-page, and someone will contact you shortly.
Have a nice day, and remember: the goal is healthy progression
This post is for everyone out there who procrastinates – we all do it, but some of us take it REALLY far.
One major truth to Exercise is that there are no shortcuts to a more fit You. There are ways to make the process more enjoyable, quick, intense, muscle-specific, varied and so on — but there are no shortcuts. Front Door Fitness won’t sell you a fantasy of telling you that there won’t be work involved, because there will be — most good things are worth working for right?
Every man and woman who has ever committed to a fitness- & health-oriented lifestyle knows the revelation above to be sound, and also accepted that they have to start where they are. How does the saying go: Every journey begins with the first step…
The level of challenge associated with beginning a new exercise routine (especially with a personal trainer) will depend on your current physical conditioning and previous workout experience, but it will always pay-off if you see it through. You can truly accomplish great things if you put your mind to it…
Keep in mind that there is no other time than “the present” that we can really impact (“the past” is gone, and “the future” isn’t here yet). Every time you think to yourself “Hey I’m going to workout,” but then end the thought with, “tomorrow…” your chances of actually doing so dwindle more and more with each unfulfilled promise to yourself.
It’s time to get a little bit more accountable.
Here's a great example of what "starting now" can do for you -- this is South Korean Mountain Climber Oh Eun-sun. Believe it or not, she has scaled ALL 14 of the worlds highest mountain peaks. There's no way she could've done that if she spent her time brooding over the past, of contemplating solely on the future. She got into it NOW, and accomplished her goal day-by-day, literally step-by-step. CLICK THE PICTURE to read her story from the NY Times.
We’re coming upon a new year – and many people are going to make a resolution to get in better shape, but why wait? Act now and contact us using the form in the upper-right portion of this web page to start taking that step in the right direction. We’ll make the journey more interesting and productive for you all from the comfort of your own home.
If you have any questions before you contact us, just look at our FAQs Section.
We want to help people make their goals come true, and we’re willing to be there partnering with you from the beginning.
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