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Health & Fitness

5 Summer's End Excuses and How to Overcome Them

With summer winding down, don't let go of your fitness routine. These tips can help you stay on track to a better tomorrow.

As summer comes to an end, many people start to ease up on their summer fitness routines and begin hunkering down for fall. Why? Is it because we live in the Midwest, where we can bundle up for the cold weather? Or maybe it’s because we have children going back to school, so we feel like vacation is over for us too? Whatever the reason, the end of summer does not have to put an end to your hard-earned momentum! Here are a few helpful reminders in case those excuses in your head try to knock you off track.

 

“I just don’t have time.”
Imagine how funny it would sound if someone heard you say that you didn’t have time to eat, bathe, or sleep! Just like those every day activities, fitness is essential to your wellbeing. Think of all the things you regularly maintain: your car, your lawn, your teeth. Remember that your body is your vehicle through life, and it deserves – you deserve – to put the effort into taking care of it.

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“I should take care of others first.”
Taking care of others is admirable and rewarding. It’s perhaps the best thing we can do with our time on Earth. However, we can take much better care of others when we are at our best. (Remember, there is a reason that during safety instructions, flight attendants tell you to put your own air mask on before assisting those around you!) If you are a caregiver or parent, keep in mind that Pilates gives you the balance you need to physically assist others, as well as the mental balance to get through emotional stress. It’s no secret that caring for others is hard work. Arm yourself to do it well!

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“I can't afford the good stuff.”
Whatever your favorite fitness activity may be, you can find a way to make it happen. The truth is, some activities – like golf, skiing, and even Pilates – require specific locales and equipment that add to their expense. Although these activities can be more costly, the quality of the experience and effectiveness is enhanced as a result of their location, equipment, and instruction. At The Lift, we provide the highest quality atmosphere, tools, and above all, instructors. At the same time, we strive to make the experience more affordable by offering group classesfree classes, and video tutorials- all in an effort to keep Pilates within your reach.

 

“I’m afraid I’ll fizzle out and fail.”
Fear of failure can be paralyzing, but failure is necessary in order to succeed. Michael Jordan has said:

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Seriously, if you feel like you’re failing, that means you’re trying- and that means you are on your way to succeeding.

 

“I don’t think anything will change.”
When we work on our fitness, we are actually growing stronger- the key word here is “growing.” Just like you can’t see a plant or a child grow in front of your eyes, growth in fitness takes time. With Pilates and CoreAlign, much of that growth is on the inside- strength, coordination, and balance. Instead of looking for drastic physical changes on the outside, look for smaller, internal milestones. For example, “I can almost touch my toes now,” “My back doesn’t hurt when I get out of bed,” or “I feel less stressed at work.” In time, you won’t just see a difference- you’ll feel a difference.

 

As we head into fall, remember that each day is a new opportunity to become a better you- your best self. Don’t let those little excuses rob you of your true intentions. As the days get shorter, keep the energy of summer burning inside of you as you continue your fitness journey.

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