“If we are not in the shape we want to be in, then do something to get back on track and stay on track. If we are in shape, we just need to keep doing what we are doing. Indeed, maintenance is actually easier than getting into shape. Getting in shape—e.g., improving the functioning of a body system or improving one’s physical appearance—requires overload (i.e., stressing the body system to a level greater than that to which it is accustomed). Maintaining requires little more than continuing with what is working—that is, maintenance exercise which requires less effort than it takes to get into ‘shape’.”
Today, I want to revisit a post from four years ago (almost to the day; September 25, 2017) that was inspired by a comment by a friend, Chris, who said, “I wish I was as fat as I was the first time I thought I was fat.” Judging by recent statistics suggesting that the average American has gained 29 pounds during COVID-19, it is likely that many of us are feeling this way. Perhaps, we are seeing this gain as the clicking upward of the rollercoaster before the big drop. The thing about rollercoasters is that they do drop, but every drop is followed by another climb. In case, the ride never ends. In the case of body fat, the average elevation of the ride most often climbs progressively. We don’t have to be unreasonable. Our goal need only be to return to a healthy body composition and sustainable level of fitness. “Back in shape” need not (should not) be our “glory days” of high school or college.
COVID-19 has been an excuse. Aging has been an excuse. Time has been an excuse. Work has been an excuse. Having kids…. The list can go on. The excuses have to end. Our health depends on it. There is a tremendous price tag on not addressing personal and community health. Declining fitness levels have revealed a stress on the health care system (though we are reluctant to discuss it publicly), yet preventative care is so much cheaper and life-fulfilling (in addition to life-saving).
Change does not have to occur on a grand scale to be effective. Small, sustainable changes are cumulative. Move a little be more today than you did yesterday. Change one bad habit at a time. Move daily toward a healthier diet. Baby steps. There is always still time to get healthier. Start today.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!!