Rock 'n' Roll Wisdom For Health And Fitness

By Monica Ciociola

"Ah, music. A magic beyond all we do here!"

J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Over the years, my husband and I have been keeping a mental list of our favorite rock and roll wisdom, lyrics like "You can't always get what you want/But if you try sometimes you just might find/You get what you need," by the Rolling Stones, and I thought it might be fun to look at these lyrics through the lens of health and fitness.

For instance, considering the verse above, even though you may want a body like Jennifer Garner's more than anything else in the world, it may not be what you need. Instead, by committing to your diet and fitness program and putting forth the effort, you'll end up feeling a lot better about yourself, healthier, stronger, and more confident—and that may really be all that you need.

More great rock 'n' roll wisdom:

• "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers

  You got to know when to hold 'em; know when to fold 'em,
  Know when to walk away; know when to run.
  You never count your money when you're sittin' at the table.
  There'll be time enough for countin' when the dealin's done.

There's no sense in weighing yourself or taking your measurements every day or constantly comparing yourself to your peers, because many of the longer term benefits of living healthy and right aren't immediately noticeable. Be patient, be cool and confident, and you'll find that over time, you'll end up just where you need to be. 

• "Soak Up the Sun" by Sheryl Crow

  My friend the communist
  Holds meetings in his RV
  I can't afford his gas
  So I'm stuck here watching TV
  I don't have digital
  I don't have diddly squat
  It's not having what you want
  It's wanting what you've got.

How often do many of us wish we were taller, thinner, smarter, or more beautiful? Why not channel some of those desires into making the most out of what we've already got? First, be proud of the things you like about yourself—your shiny hair, your bright smile, your sensitivity, creativity, compassion—whatever it is that rarely lets you down. Then realize what else you've got—determination, strength of will, confidence in your abilities—and use those things to improve what you can change about yourself. You're already working on your weight and your fitness level. See how maintaining a healthy lifestyle for yourself and your family is its own reward.

• "Why Georgia " by John Mayer

  Everybody's just a stranger
  but that's the danger in
  going my own way.
  I guess it's a price I have to pay.
  Still "everything happens
  for a reason"
  is no reason not to ask myself
  If I'm living it right
  am I living it right
  am I living it right

It's worth asking yourself the question "Am I living it right?" on a regular basis and trying to understand what it means for you. Is how you spend your time, whom you surround yourself with, and the goals you're working towards fitting into your idea of "living it right"? When in doubt, it may be time to start questioning, analyzing, and changing these aspects of your life.

• "Better Be Good to Me" by Tina Turner

  You better be good to me
  That's how it's gotta be now
  Cause I don't have the time
  For your overloaded lines
  You better be good to me

This is your body speaking up and demanding that you be good and treat it right. Your body has had enough of lines like "I'm too busy to work out," "I'm too tired to get off the couch," and "I don't have the willpower to put down the chips." There are few relationships as important as the one between you and your body, so listen up. Tina is.

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