Barriers and Breakthroughs
The
Shape of Your Life: Month Oneby Paul Scott - from
OutsideOnline
Click
here for Fit To Last - the first step in Part One of The
Shape of Your Life Barrier #1
You skip workouts due to
"unforeseen conflicts."
Breakthrough
Exercise in the morning.
Consider
these two benefits of a daybreak sweat session: You'll jump-start your resting
metabolic rate, helping you burn more calories throughout the day (see the
article AM Fat Burn); and you'll be less likely to have
family, a job, or other obligations derail your workout. "The number-one excuse
people have for not working out is time." says Rob Skinner, director of sports
nutrition for the Georgia Tech Athletic Association. "Well, everybody has time
early in the morning, and that way you get it done."
Barrier #2
You can't rely on yourself
for motivation.
Breakthrough
Find a partner.
According to a 1999
weight-loss study undertaken jointly by the Universities of Minnesota and
Pittsburgh, those who exercised with friends rather than alone boosted their
chances of sticking with a program. Working out with a buddy adds
accountability and provides a lift when you're not on top of your game. "I find
it essential to have good training partners," says Roland Green, the 2001
overall World Cup mountain-bike champion. "To train by yourself, it becomes
tough to maintain quality. But if you're in a group, someone is always feeling
good that can push the pace."
Barrier #3
You get tired of
the same old routine.
Breakthrough
Vary the place—and the way—you work
out.
Sure, your lakeshore running trail is heartwarming for the
first month. But then comes that fateful morning when the wildlife seems not
quite as friendly, the water not so shimmery. "Every day of the week I ride and
run a different route," says Tim Deboom, last year's Ironman World Champion.
"It makes it impossible to get bored during my training." Take it from Tim,
arguably the most highly motivated human on the planet: Mix up your workout
venues and aerobic activities. Been trail running? Try road biking. You're a
cyclist? Start swimming.
Barrier #4
You don't make it an
adventure.
Breakthrough
Establish a goal beyond the weight room.
This week, dream up a giant fitness goal a weeklong mountaineering trip in the
Cascades, say, or your first trail marathon in Coloradoand post it on your
refrigerator. By that time, the SYL plan will have you firing on all
cylindersand no glance in the locker-room mirror will motivate you like a
looming, butt-kicking physical challenge.
Coming
up - article 3 in Part One of The Shape of Your Life -
Cook
It Up A Notch |
