What About The Why’s?

A lot is made about the “How-To’s” of fitness: How to build the most muscle, how to effectively lose weight, how to get the most out of your exercise regimen, how to increase the mobility in your joints, and so on and so forth.

You also hear a fair amount about the “What-For’s” of fitness: You should build muscle to help speed up your metabolism and gain strength, lose weight to optimize heart health, exercise frequently for numerous health benefits such as reduced risk of disease and prolonged life expectancy, just to name a few.

But what of the “Why’s”? The “Why’s” of fitness are markedly more personal, and in my humble opinion, infinitely more important. The reason I say they hold such relevance is because your personal “Why’s” are what drive you over the long term to continue your own pursuit of fitness.

Sure, the “What-For’s” are responsible for getting many of us into the gym in the first place, and may be what spur us on to establish a good exercise routine. You want to tone up for beach season, you want to improve your cardiovascular endurance, you don’t like the way that your jeans are feeling tighter with each passing week… Numerous initial forces and “What-For’s” drive us to seek a fitness solution. But it’s your “Why’s” that will keep you coming back week after week, month after month, year after year.

Over the long term, there absolutely has to be a driving force behind your decision to pursue personal fitness. What happens after you lose that pesky 5 pounds? After you show off your new muscles on the beach? After you successfully finish that 10k race without passing out? Why continue?

I’ll share with you some of my own personal “Why’s”. I exercise because it makes me feel resilient and capable. It creates a tangible sense of pride in myself; I CAN lift that much weight, I CAN run that far, I CAN help my male neighbour move a heavy couch. My personal pursuit of fitness helps me set measurable goals that, when achieved, leave me smiling for days. I’m getting older, and as I age, I want to be an even better version of myself. I want to have the strongest heart, healthiest lungs, most powerful limbs, and toughest mental acuity possible as I go forward. I want to maintain a healthy weight and increase my lean body mass. I want to have boundless energy and a sharp mind. Given that there is a lot in this life that we cannot control, I want to provide myself with the best possible opportunity at a healthy, long, and fulfilling life. These are my “Why’s” for fitness.

What are yours?

IMPORTANT:

There will ONLY be a 9:00am class on Saturday, November 6th.  Please come down and cheer on your fellow Zoner’s competing in the Winter Challenge at CF Taranis after your workout.

Today’s Workout

Buy-in:  Dynamic movement – coaches’ choice

WOD:  Road Runner

We last did this workout on August 26, 2010… check out myfrantime.com for leaderboard scores to beat!

Elite – for time:

• 800m Run
• 30 Sumo Deadlift High-pulls 65/95 lbs
• 400m Run
• 20 Sumo Deadlift High-pulls 65/95 lbs
• 200m Run
• 10 Sumo Deadlift High-pulls 65/95 lbs

Zone 3: Scale SDHP to 55/75lbs

Zone 2: Scale SDHP to 45/55lbs

Zone 1: Scale as needed

Cash-Out:  Massage ball plantar fascia, upper back and shoulders