What Does ‘Get In Shape’ Mean to You?

When you decide to start a fitness program, the first thing you need to do is to just take a second and think about the real reasons you are doing it. When I ask people for their reasons, I often get the same answer, “Well, I want to get in shape.”

What I ask those people to think about, and what you need to think about, is what does that really mean to you — ‘get in shape’? Everybody says they want to get in shape, but that can mean a lot of different things to different people.

Do you want to run a 5K race?

Do you need to lose weight to get your blood pressure under control?

Do you want to hike a mountain? Do you want to go on a cross-country bicycle tour?

Do you just want to alleviate back pain so you can play with your grandchildren or maybe get the energy to keep up with your toddler all day?

Do you want to get back in the same size clothes you wore in college?

Do you just want to look better naked?

What does “get in shape” mean to you? There isn’t just one right answer, and your answer will be different than someone else’s. That’s ok.

Take a second and think about that because when you really have a clear picture and crystallize that picture in your mind, it will help you to reach for specific goals and stay on track with a healthier lifestyle.

So take a minute now and just think about that. When you have that picture crystallized in your mind, get a piece of paper and write it down. Be specific.

“I want to lose weight” is not a specific goal. “By my next birthday, I want to fit in my size 32 pants that I wore 5 years ago” is a specific goal. So write it down.

Now.

Stop reading and write down your goals, and keep that paper someplace where you will see it early every morning and at the end of every day, and every day at those times you need to read your goals aloud to keep that picture fresh in your mind.

~Dave

About the Author

Dave Soucy is a coach, trainer, motivator, husband, dad, and former fat guy. His goal is to teach as many people as possible how to achieve a life of health, fitness, and wellness through simply eating right and exercising. Click here to learn more about Dave.

Share the Love:

http://JohnSifferman.com/ John Sifferman

Cool site, Dave! I make my health and fitness a high priority for a lot of reasons. The main ones are the benefits of being healthier, and as a result happier and enjoying more freedom. Everyone wants to look good and feel good.

Although, there are some deeper reasons why being “in shape” is important to me. I like to be an inspiration to others, to show them that anyone can enjoy not just average health, but abundant health and vibrant physical living (and that you don't have to be a “fitness freak” to do so). I also feel responsible for those around me, my family and friends, and I would want to be capable of handling potential future situations that arise – not be limited by a de-conditioned body. Don't worry, it's more of a preparedness mindset, not paranoia

Lastly, I think that living a physically-focused lifestyle is a dying tradition, a rare practice, and I'm doing everything I can to prevent that from continuing! I meet people all the time who will avoid situations because there is more walking involved than they are comfortable with. I see this as a major cultural issue, and it's going to take a revolution to get it turned around.

In my experience as a fitness coach, what could be labeled “surface motivations” like the vague “I want to look better” generally don't carry someone to their goal. It's not enough to just want something – you need to be compelled to achieve it. There needs to be purpose behind it. If you have an inner drive that is fueled by purpose, you can achieve almost anything.

Best,

John Sifferman

P.S. are you still in NH?
http://topsy.com/tb/snipurl.com/sceou Tweets that mention What Does ‘Get In Shape’ Mean to You? | Weight Loss | Fitness | Fat Loss for Grown Ups — Topsy.com

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Dave Soucy. Dave Soucy said: New on the blog: What Does ‘Get In Shape’ Mean to You?: When you decide to start a fitness prog.. http://bit.ly/FuR5L [...]
http://www.DaveSoucy.com Dave Soucy

Hey John,
thanks for the comments and the kind words on the site.

I'm with you on the family thing. I've got a wife and 2 little girls, and I'm pretty sure they'd like it if I was around for a good long time. Kind of frightening when I see people my age (43 as I write this) who look like they are 10 – 15 years older, simply because they choose not to take care of themselves.

I spent a lot of years when I was younger not being careful how I treated my body, and am glad that I now choose differently. I plan on being an active old man someday, not one who is limited because he didn't take care of himself.

Thanks again for the comment,
Dave

ps – yes, my office is in Manchester and I live in Hooksett.
http://www.DaveSoucy.com Dave Soucy

Hey John,
thanks for the comments and the kind words on the site.

I'm with you on the family thing. I've got a wife and 2 little girls, and I'm pretty sure they'd like it if I was around for a good long time. Kind of frightening when I see people my age (43 as I write this) who look like they are 10 – 15 years older, simply because they choose not to take care of themselves.

I spent a lot of years when I was younger not being careful how I treated my body, and am glad that I now choose differently. I plan on being an active old man someday, not one who is limited because he didn't take care of himself.

Thanks again for the comment,
Dave

ps – yes, my office is in Manchester and I live in Hooksett.