Improvement and change occur when you do things often. Stopping and starting all the time will kill any momentum you need to succeed. You must find ways to stay in the game. Moderate forms of exercise done consistently provide far better results than the occasional full-body pummeling. A lifestyle that includes multiple forms of exercise five to six days a week guarantees results.
There are certain things that rise to the surface when it comes to staying consistent. One of them is staying motivated. How does anyone sustain anything without motivation? You bought one of my programs because you’re committed to making huge changes in your life. Being consistent is critical. Sustaining it and staying motivated at times can be difficult. It’s easy to create reasons not to do Power90, especially when you’re feeling weak and puny, and my jokes aren’t funny anymore. We travel, get sick, tired, and often get discouraged. We work too hard, we under-sleep, and get stressed out. So what do we do about it? It can be overwhelming. What about the people who don’t quit? Who are they? Are they super android robots from a galaxy far far away? What the hell makes them so special? Why are these robot-people consistent and others not? The answer is that successful, consistent, and motivated folk have tricks…Aha! They have found a way to do it anyway.
Here’s my list of tricks that will help you stay motivated and consistent.
1. Stop beating yourself up if you can’t sustain and/or maintain your “perfect” plan. It’s okay to miss a workout once in a while. It doesn’t mean that your process has gone to hell in a handcart. It doesn’t mean you have to start over. Life happens. Priorities shift. So what? Big deal. Just start up where you left off. If you’re doing Power 90 or P90X, just add the missed days to the back end. I decree the burden lifted! Of course you must recognize the difference between a missed workout or two and a missed week or two. If you miss two weeks of exercise, it will take at least that long to get back where you left off. If you miss one workout once in a while you lose nothing. The extra day off can even do the body good.
2. Don’t freak out if you don’t see results in the first 45 days. “What?! No results in the first month and a half?!” See, I knew you’d freak out. The reality is that we all have different starting points. The 90 in Power90 and P90X stands for 90 days, not 90 minutes. Some folks will see results the first week—bastards! Others will have to wait a little longer, based on age, body weight, how out of shape they are when they start the program, flexibility, balance, athletic background, etc.—this is normal. The variety of workouts in P90X purposely plays into your strengths and weaknesses. Both programs were created to have a 30-to-50-day “adaptive phase.” This phase is shorter for some and longer for others. Be patient. Your body will adapt, and you will be amazed at how you look and feel.
3. On your most exhausted, overwhelmed, and lackluster days—Push Play anyway. Except if you’re sick or hurt. Be fully committed to having a lousy workout, and have that be just fine. A lackluster workout is always better than no workout at all. Movement is good—even when you’re feeling puny and weak. Get off the couch and MOVE! The truth is, if you get up and do something—even if it’s not your best, it’s impossible to feel bad when you’re done. Sometimes you have to FORGET YOUR BEST AND DO THE REST.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Friday, May 26, 2006
Law # 1 ~ Variety
Kids,
In the next couple of weeks I'll be posting my recently revamped 11 Laws of Health & Fitness. Here is Law # 1.
Variety is the spice of life and fitness. A lifetime of health and fitness is achievable when you can think outside of the box. Mix it up, change it up, and turn it up all the time. Stay curious, creative, and stick with the kind of workouts that you enjoy. A variety of exercises, workouts, and sports will allow you to avoid the evil fitness killers: injuries, plateaus, and boredom.
One of the reasons why Power90, Power Half Hour, the Master Series, and P90X work so well for so many people—who have tried and failed with other programs—is because they are NOT one discipline. Those programs incorporate a variety of things: sectional progression, plyometrics, ab and core routines, boxing and kickboxing, yoga, stretching, and cardiovascular exercises. From Tony and The Kids to P90X I have always tried to make the routines fun and filled with a variety of movements. Workouts that are uncomplicated, easy-to-follow, time-tested, with combinations that work. I’m not a fan of boredom. Doing the same routines and movements over and over again doesn’t appeal to me. That’s why many of my programs don’t repeat the same move twice.
Curiosity is a key reason why I’ve been able to sustain a high level of fitness for over 20 years. If I see something that looks fun and challenging, I’ll try it. If it doesn’t ring my chime, I’ll move on to something else. Curiosity was one of the reasons why you picked up the phone and ordered Power90. You weren’t happy with the status quo. You were probably unhappy and unhealthy. You were in a rut and you wanted a change. When I’m in a rut, I look at ways to mix it up. Just because something works for me right now doesn’t mean it will work or hold my interest later. Too many people hold on too tightly to things that don’t work anymore. You know it’s time to change things when you hear yourself saying: “I feel burned out.” “This isn’t fun anymore.” “I’m no longer seeing improvement with this routine.”
You could be suffering from a temporary bout of mind babble, or maybe it’s your heart telling you that it’s time to move on. Only you know the difference. Don’t do something just because everyone else is doing it. Figure out what keeps you in the game, even if it’s very different than what others think you need. If you’re beating yourself up when it comes to inspiration and motivation regarding perspiration then you need an alteration to your transformation.
Variety in your fitness world will keep boredom, injuries, and plateaus at bay. That’s the reason why Power90 has two levels. P90X and the Power90 Master Series were created so that you’ll have a myriad of ways to mix it up and continue to see improvement over time. If you really want to improve your fitness and physique and make this a lifestyle thing, then eventually the other box you’ll need to get outside of…is your house. This might be hard for people with a hectic schedule but why not skip that Sunday barbecue for a hike or run or skate or swim or volleyball game. After you’ve seen my goofy mug too many times, you might want to open the door and explore.
Power 90 is the on switch to a lifetime of health and fitness. After your 90 days are up, a nice variety of activities, workouts, and athletic endeavors will turn even more lights on. I like to call the program after Power 90, Power 10,950. That’s 30 years. You can reinvent yourself and take control of your life if you stay curious and try new things. Finishing Power 90 (or any other program for that matter) lets you begin to explore all the possibilities. Variety in fitness and life is essential for keeping the lights on.
In the next couple of weeks I'll be posting my recently revamped 11 Laws of Health & Fitness. Here is Law # 1.
Variety is the spice of life and fitness. A lifetime of health and fitness is achievable when you can think outside of the box. Mix it up, change it up, and turn it up all the time. Stay curious, creative, and stick with the kind of workouts that you enjoy. A variety of exercises, workouts, and sports will allow you to avoid the evil fitness killers: injuries, plateaus, and boredom.
One of the reasons why Power90, Power Half Hour, the Master Series, and P90X work so well for so many people—who have tried and failed with other programs—is because they are NOT one discipline. Those programs incorporate a variety of things: sectional progression, plyometrics, ab and core routines, boxing and kickboxing, yoga, stretching, and cardiovascular exercises. From Tony and The Kids to P90X I have always tried to make the routines fun and filled with a variety of movements. Workouts that are uncomplicated, easy-to-follow, time-tested, with combinations that work. I’m not a fan of boredom. Doing the same routines and movements over and over again doesn’t appeal to me. That’s why many of my programs don’t repeat the same move twice.
Curiosity is a key reason why I’ve been able to sustain a high level of fitness for over 20 years. If I see something that looks fun and challenging, I’ll try it. If it doesn’t ring my chime, I’ll move on to something else. Curiosity was one of the reasons why you picked up the phone and ordered Power90. You weren’t happy with the status quo. You were probably unhappy and unhealthy. You were in a rut and you wanted a change. When I’m in a rut, I look at ways to mix it up. Just because something works for me right now doesn’t mean it will work or hold my interest later. Too many people hold on too tightly to things that don’t work anymore. You know it’s time to change things when you hear yourself saying: “I feel burned out.” “This isn’t fun anymore.” “I’m no longer seeing improvement with this routine.”
You could be suffering from a temporary bout of mind babble, or maybe it’s your heart telling you that it’s time to move on. Only you know the difference. Don’t do something just because everyone else is doing it. Figure out what keeps you in the game, even if it’s very different than what others think you need. If you’re beating yourself up when it comes to inspiration and motivation regarding perspiration then you need an alteration to your transformation.
Variety in your fitness world will keep boredom, injuries, and plateaus at bay. That’s the reason why Power90 has two levels. P90X and the Power90 Master Series were created so that you’ll have a myriad of ways to mix it up and continue to see improvement over time. If you really want to improve your fitness and physique and make this a lifestyle thing, then eventually the other box you’ll need to get outside of…is your house. This might be hard for people with a hectic schedule but why not skip that Sunday barbecue for a hike or run or skate or swim or volleyball game. After you’ve seen my goofy mug too many times, you might want to open the door and explore.
Power 90 is the on switch to a lifetime of health and fitness. After your 90 days are up, a nice variety of activities, workouts, and athletic endeavors will turn even more lights on. I like to call the program after Power 90, Power 10,950. That’s 30 years. You can reinvent yourself and take control of your life if you stay curious and try new things. Finishing Power 90 (or any other program for that matter) lets you begin to explore all the possibilities. Variety in fitness and life is essential for keeping the lights on.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Friday, May 05, 2006
Bright or Bleak
The vast majority of things I choose to do are designed to bring joy into my life. While I'm not always successful, I try to avoid stuff that makes life lousy. In the midst of chores, work and meetings I'm not necessarily rolling in bliss, but I hope that these activities will lead to elation down the road. Your workouts are like this. The exercises sort of suck sometimes but the outcome is always worth it. Anything worth having is worth risking something for. Trying new things, committing to a daily workout plan, going out of your way to help other people will open up your world. You expand and grow and learn and experience life. Your circle gets bigger and bigger. You know and do more. You see and experience things that you never knew existed. Life is filled with hope and passion. You stay curious and look for other ways to grow and improve. All this from trying, committing and helping. A life like this doesn't just happen. You can't wing it and expect a joyous fulfilled life. You must try the things that don't go well at first. You must clean up your act and make a schedule for your fitness. You must find time to help others and be open to others helping you. You must ask for what you need, and what you need comes only from you and no one else.
When the glass is half empty you're not trying anything. If you are trying and it's not working then try something else. Quitting is death. Quitting is like saying the glass is empty. If you can't find the time to make the time to take care of yourself then your world will only get teeny tiny. Don't pick a bleak existence. This world is too incredible to miss out on it. Figure out what you're doing and when, then do it. Put a plan in place and follow your own directions. Create the path and the journey. Follow up and see it through. Get organized so that your cart stays behind the horse. Organization gives you the freedom to live your designed life. Know what you're doing ahead of time to avoid any guess work. The journey will be long and winding and unpredictable, so be prepared before you go. You'll have a lot more fun if you do, because you'll be ready for anything. You'll also need partners in all of this. Surround yourself with people who are willing to peek around a few corners. Start your own bandwagon or jump into someone else's. But whatever you do, do it with fun, passionate people that like what you like. This will make the journey worth waking up for every day. Tell the naysayers, want-to-bees and side-liners to get out of your way because your world is waiting to be explored.
When the glass is half empty you're not trying anything. If you are trying and it's not working then try something else. Quitting is death. Quitting is like saying the glass is empty. If you can't find the time to make the time to take care of yourself then your world will only get teeny tiny. Don't pick a bleak existence. This world is too incredible to miss out on it. Figure out what you're doing and when, then do it. Put a plan in place and follow your own directions. Create the path and the journey. Follow up and see it through. Get organized so that your cart stays behind the horse. Organization gives you the freedom to live your designed life. Know what you're doing ahead of time to avoid any guess work. The journey will be long and winding and unpredictable, so be prepared before you go. You'll have a lot more fun if you do, because you'll be ready for anything. You'll also need partners in all of this. Surround yourself with people who are willing to peek around a few corners. Start your own bandwagon or jump into someone else's. But whatever you do, do it with fun, passionate people that like what you like. This will make the journey worth waking up for every day. Tell the naysayers, want-to-bees and side-liners to get out of your way because your world is waiting to be explored.