Walking for Fun and Fitness
By Bonnie Stein, M.Ed., C.P.T.S.
MILK SOME COWS
Excuse Maker or Action Taker – Which One Are You?
“When the summer is over and it cools off – that’s when I’ll be able to exercise.” “As soon as the kids start back in school, I’ll have time go to the gym.” “I’m working 12 hours a day; as soon as things lighten up at work I’ll get back to my walking program.” “If I only had people to walk with – it’s too boring to exercise by myself.”
Recognize any of these excuses? I’ve heard them and plenty more from people who are going to put fitness into their lives as soon as they get “around to it.” If you choose to be an excuse maker, you’ll always find an excuse for why you can’t quite get around to it. If you have diabetes, or want to prevent yourself from getting it, there is no excuse that’s good enough.
When I started teaching racewalking back in 1989 I thought that I was being helpful when I suggested solutions for anyone’s exercise excuses. I offered ideas for what they could do with their kids so that they could racewalk, how they should set their own fitness as a priority and not work 12 hours a day, how they could fit racewalking in at a park on their way home before it gets dark.
Eventually I realized there are people who are excuse makers instead of action takers. The action takers dropped their kids off at soccer practice and walked in the neighborhood instead of sitting in the stands. The action takers skipped the cocktails, walked on the treadmill at the hotel while out of town on business, and then joined the group for dinner after a workout. The action takers carried water with them, dressed properly and didn’t let the summer heat get in the way of their outdoor workouts.
The action takers always find a way. If you’re working too many hours and think you can’t fit in your exercise, ask yourself - on your death-bed, will you say, “Gee, I wish I would have worked more hours.”
If you’re not exercising regularly because of your young children – spend time with your kids outdoors. Let them skate or bike ride while you walk. Be an example for them. You can be a loving parent and still be fit. A few years down the road, if you don’t exercise, your kids will be on their own, and you’ll be stuck at home - overweight with diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease.
My favorite Chinese proverb – “He who wants milk should not sit in the middle of the field waiting for the cow to back up to him.” Is there something you want in life - a better job, a more fulfilling relationship, a trimmer body, a healthier, fitter lifestyle? Take action. Get out now and milk some cows.
Bonnie Stein, M.Ed., CPTS is a racewalking instructor and certified personal training specialist based in Redington Shores, Florida. Please visit www.AceWalker.com.
