Breakthroughs and Breakdowns

This week has absolutely flown by, and here I am at Thursday playing catch-up with life itself. 
Just me and my turkey meatballs.

Its been a great week with clients, with some breakthroughs and breakdowns if we're completely honest.  A client this morning said he was discussing with his wife the whole idea of "arriving" when it comes to fitness.  As if it is a destination of sorts.  Apparently his wife felt discouraged by the fact she felt as if she never arrived.  As often as I hear some variation of this bogus notion, I am still amazed that we even entertain the thought.
Let me see if I can clear a few things up...

Making changes towards a healthier lifestyle is a process.  When we look at in terms of a distinctive destination, (i.e. a certain weight, completing a marathon or other competition, a certain "look", etc), we place a finish line on a journey that ultimately has none. The phrase "grasping for the wind" comes to mind.   Should we have goals?  Absolutely.  They serve as great motivators and keep us on track in many ways.  However, goals should change, evolve, and be realistic in terms of where we are now and where we need to go.  I use the word need because for some, lifestyle changes are critical for basic health and survival.  And sadly, many are a result of not paying attention to your health earlier, and thus being forced to later.
Reality check.
Embrace it.  Suck it up.  Dare to step outside of your comfort zone and respect yourself enough to break the cycle.
For others, the motivation to push further and achieve a higher level of fitness stems from a deeper need to do so.  Not for the same reasons in terms of survival, but still very real to them.
Either way, these goals are and should evolve.  If there was ONE final destination for "fit" 100% of people would never reach it.  Why?  Because that definition is different for everyone.
Some people define it in terms of bodyfat. 
Some in terms of 100m sprint time.
Some in terms of how "perfect" their nutrition is.
Some in terms of waist circumference.
Some in terms of average mile time during a marathon.
Ah, the list is endless.
Bottom line,...THERE IS NO DESTINATION TO FIT.  YOU EVOLVE.  YOU IMPROVE.  You travel and personally direct a path that has no finish line.  YOU create the direction and make it your own.

I completely get how some people find this overwhelming.  "You mean I have to do this for the rest of my life?!  What the hell?!" 
Yes.  You do.
Its called respecting the only body you are given.  Does it mean you have to run sprints everyday like you're being punished?  No.  You take steps greater than where you are in this moment and strive to simply be a better version of YOU.  Not the you from 10 years ago, or the person beside you in pump class.  YOU.  Your unique journey,...ever-changing with the chapters in life, but always positive progression.
Take comfort in the fact that there is no ideal.  Rather, an endless list of goals and aspirations at your finger tips if you dare to reach, work, and remain determined to obtain them.

***

Whew, its back to the grind.
The afternoon crowd awaits.
Have a wonderful day folks,...continue on that journey...