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.

Body Bling

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.