Mastering the "art" of Fitness

My mom is a teacher at heart. She used to tell us that what was most important was to master the subject matter and to have a good work ethic and the grades will follow. Mom was right. Trying to get an "A" is like trying to be a good pianist: practice makes permanent NOT perfect.

I think the same can be said of fitness. Trying to lose 25 pounds before the wedding or trying to do cardio for 4 hours without a strategic understanding of the subject of fitness is a recipe for failure, because it lacks depth of knowledge and without that depth it will be swept away at the first sign of adversity or change. First we have to master the subjects of nutrition and training, then we can securely and methodically move forward and achieve permanent results. Second we should understand that no fitness program worth its salt should set for us a predefined "grade" based on our time in the program or our performance numbers. The purpose should be to provide a framework for success within which an educated well informed participant can strive to be his or her best and enjoy them selves in the process!.  

To be sure the more homework one does on the subject the better the results but we are not talking about getting an advanced degree in physiology here! Some basic reading on nutrition and some thoughtful review of the workout schedule ought to suffice to at least get the first time student back in the gym and have a fighting chance at improvement. Continuous education isn't required, but I think if you approach the subject from this point of view you will naturally be more inquisitive and look for more information especially as you begin to see good results-dare I say "grades"? Success is very seductive!

Mastery does not come from realizing the goal and desiring it. Mastery comes from dealing with the task at hand and arming yourself with the tools necessary for success. The satisfaction of attaining that mastery is what keeps us heading towards the goal and ultimately beyond it.

Thanks mom.