Newsflash: Study demonstrates the benefits of regular exercise!

Surprised? Of course not. We all know exercise is good for us. Concerned scientists and public health officials trumpet these studies anyway, hoping this new piece of evidence will tip the scale toward better health decisions. Let’s be honest – it probably won’t. At this point, more evidence is academic. The real question is how to convert knowledge into commitment.

At base, people need two things to commit to fitness: motivation and structure. Motivation is the emotional charge that compels goal-driven behavior, and structure is a way to order that behavior. This post describes two proven methods that anyone can use to supercharge their fitness efforts.

Visualization (“The Crowd Goes Wild…”)

Whether your ultimate goal is granite abs, an impressive figure, or simply improved health and well-being, the success of that goal depends on the powerful emotions behind it. One proven way to access and enhance those emotions is visualization. Try it out: think about a fitness goal you have and imagine you’ve already achieved it. First, picture how you look and move, paying close attention to details. Then shift to a first-person perspective and concentrate on how you feel in your new body. Are you stronger, more capable, more attractive? What emotions do you associate with your new self? Pride,

“Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.”    – Albert Einstein, 1934

We remember Einstein more for his physics than his physique, but exercisers everywhere could benefit from this advice.

Consider people who recommit to fitness after an extended break. Despite strong motivation and the best of intentions, most fail to achieve their goals. Why? Among many possible reasons, we blame two impulses in particular.

Impulse #1: Get fit or die trying. People like this all-or-nothing approach because they want the fastest results possible and because the idea of intense, daily workouts makes them feel dedicated. Excitement and endorphins usually carry them through a few workouts, but most people succumb to exhaustion and soreness within a week or two. Classic example of too much too soon.

Impulse #2: Easy bake fitness. Shiny products promise abs and happiness with essentially zero effort – only three easy payments of $49.99! Just wear this electric belt or strap on these awkward shoes… Nonsense! Fitness may not be as difficult as theoretical physics, but it does require actual physical effort.

Anyone truly interested in fitness should ignore both impulses and instead listen to Einstein. So what is the simplest effective way to achieve a fitness goal? It depends on the goal, of course, but optimal solutions always include regular, targeted exercise and intelligent progression. Simply put, people need to show up, take action, and strive for improvement.

That doesn’t mean it’s easy. For many, scheduling time to exercise is hard enough without worrying about the research needed to create a decent regimen, let alone one that is both fun and effective.

Now for the good news…

Einsteins precede us. Smart people have discovered the principles and methods that work — so there’s no need to rediscover the fitness equivalent of relativity. Our goal with eFitPlan is to share that expertise with everyone by offering personalized fitness programs that will fit any schedule. The way we see it, physiques will never be the same.