Who is on your fitness team?

There are many ways to create a team of support for your fitness program. Some of the most popular:

1. Ask a friend to be a workout partner.
2. Join a fitness class at the park district or at a fitness center.
3. Hire a personal trainer or fitness coach.
4. Join a running or walking club.
5. Create an accountability buddy, even if you don't work out together, you report your progress to one another.
6. Join a program like Weight Watchers.
7. Ask for support from your family or close friends.

But one very important team often goes overlooked.  Your internal team.  If you pay attention to your internal talk, you will discover quite an active team at your service (or not).

Almost everyone I know has their own internal critic who is quick to point out their failings and where they fell short.  You may also have a "rationalizer," that internal voice that says it is "okay" to have that dessert or that you "deserve" a treat after a great workout.  How about the "saboteur," who tells you not to even bother because you don't have the time to get it perfect.

Take a listen to what your internal chatter is all about when you are eating, exercising, or otherwise thinking about sticking with a health and fitness program.  Write down what you are telling yourself as you make the choices that you do.  Pay attention to your internal dialogue as you deal with the "stressors" in your life.  Once you have the list, give each major theme a name.

I recently completed this exercise and was surprised who was on my team.  And maybe more insightful, it was clear I was missing a few key members.

Who was on my team

• The Martyr: I want to have time for fitness, but I need to take care of so many others first.
• The Party Girl:  Let's have some fun - let loose and enjoy that food and wine
• The Wounded Warrior: I work so hard, I need that latte!
• The Natural:  I LOVE working out.  It feels so great
• The Super Pam: Let me push the envelope and power up to get all these gazillion things done
• The Planner:  Get organized, plan your meals, shop on a regular basis, have healthy foods in the house
• The Process Queen:  I can come up with the most efficient process for anything!

Who Got to Stay on My Team

• The Natural:  Why not have someone on the team who loves exercise and can't wait to get their body moving?  And who pays attention to how good it feels to move your body and make your muscles stronger.
• The Planner:  Nothing gets done without a great plan.  Put a plan together and work the plan. Make adjustments in your day so your plan can succeed.
• The Process Queen: Create systems and structures to make fitness work for you. In fact the more you can systematize in the area of health and fitness, the better off you will be.  You end up just doing the right things without much thought.

Who was kicked off the team? Everyone else! I am learning that I am in control of who is on my inner team. And I have decided that only those "team members" who can add to the quality of my health and fitness get to stay on my team.

I discovered that there was a very key team member missing on my team - The Champion.  This is the voice which can talk you through the times you really want that donut or the times when you want to throw in the towel.  Your champion is also that voice who tells you that you are doing a great job! You've got it covered! You will get it done.

We all need a champion, someone who is going to cheer us on, coax us to work harder, help us keep our eye on the goal, help us to solve problems in a positive light....and the best champion comes from within.

It may feel more natural to be critical of yourself. And you may feel a little silly talking to yourself in a positive way.  No one is going to hear what you say to yourself (unless you talk out loud to yourself).  So no need to feel silly.  Practice.  Practice giving yourself a pep talk. Practice reminding yourself what the goal is. Experience the relief when you tell yourself that you got it covered, you can get this done. It is a wonderful experience. And one that will move your towards your fitness and health goals.

To your fitness and health!

Pam

Partner, Strand Fitness

http://www.strandfitnessllc.com/