“THE RIGHT TIME”
Take a leap of faith - make the change.
There will always be hurdles, there will always be financial constraints, there will always be a feeling of unpreparedness - even if it is slight. Well-meaning family and friends may even echo our uncertainties about these new life changes we want to make but haven’t yet.
It may be difficult to take a leap of faith and believe that things will work out, that our circumstances will change, that we can affect the change we want. To top it all off there is fear of uncertainty, instability, of being laughed at, of failure, of making the wrong decision. Often times, we use seemingly legitimate life circumstances as excuses to not effect the change that we dream about.
TRANSTHEORETICAL MODEL OF BEHAVIORAL CHANGE
Since starting EXHALO FORTIS, I’ve talked to many people about my career as a personal trainer and general wellness enthusiast. Often times, I’m simply discussing what I do and why I do it. This often leads the person to express some desire to begin an exercise routine or they tell me about their past bouts of exercising and why they gave up. Many times this information from the other person comes unsolicited but as a trainer I love to hear it! At this point in the conversation, I encourage the other person to reconnect with their practice or find something they enjoy that would get them active again. I give them my business card but I don’t press. Does this make me a bad salesman? Maybe. I’ve never been a sales-y type of person.
This brings me to the Transtheorical Model of Behavioral Change. Snore I know! I’ll be quick. There are 4 stages; pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Most of the people I talk to prior to starting an exercise routine are in the pre-contemplation or contemplation stage. The following is from the American Council on Exercise: Group Fitness Instructor Handbook 2018.
In the pre-contemplation stage, “these individuals do not see activity as relevant in their lives, and may even discount the importance or practicality of being physically active.” In the contemplation stage, “they are starting to consider activity as important and have begun to identify the implications of being inactive.”
For those in the pre-contemplation stage all that can be done by the outside world is to provide information about the risks of being inactive and the benefits of being active. Ultimately, however, the decision to change must come from the individual - not their family, not their friends, not their trainer. On the other hand, those in the contemplation stage need a little push, encouragement, or creative options to start getting active. If you are reading this, let this be your sign to get started! I provide some ideas on how to get started at the end of this entry.
THERE IS NEVER “THE RIGHT TIME”
You are starting grad school across the country in a month, you are starting a new job, you are afraid of what others may think, you are waiting for the right time to get active. Let me tell you - THERE IS NEVER THE RIGHT TIME. Make the changes you see in your mind happen today! Not next week, not once your new job settles, not once you finish a time-consuming work project, but now! Prioritize your health and well being.
Getting active goes far beyond glamour muscles, 6 pack abs, and having a “beach body.” Getting active is showing your body the time and gratitude it deserves. Do it for your posture, your mobility, your strength, your commitment to yourself. Don’t let fear or “the right time” stop you. The right time is now!
YOU CAN DO THIS RIGHT NOW
You can get started for free by checking out my instructional videos on Instagram @EXHALOFORTIS. On the EXHALO FORTIS instagram, there is a workout document and instructional videos on how to perform a full body warm-up. This warm-up is appropriate for almost everybody! In fact, when I get a new in-person client, I encourage them to do this warm-up as often as possible on their own! It improves your mobility, posture, and prepares your body for most activities.
There are also HOW TO videos in English and Spanish where I show you the basics of deadlifting, lunging, core activiation, etc. with many more to come. You don’t need a gym membership, you don’t need to pay anything, you don’t even need fancy equipment, you just need your desire to change. Do it in your living room! Who cares if someone sees you doing jumping jacks or they see you thrusting your hips up in the air for glute bridges. Reconnect with your body. If you do any of the exercises take a video and share them to the world and tag @EXHALOFORTIS or simply share the post. I would love to see it!
You can take it one step further and hire me as your personal trainer if you are in the Tucson, AZ area. Additionally, I also have online personal training available now! I will go into detail about this type of training in the near future but feel free to reach out if you are interested in any of these options or if you have any questions.
Take a leap of faith - make the change now!
