This is the first in a four-part series on working out better from Cork-based trainer Billy O'Regan
Fitness. What does it mean to you? ‘The quality to be suitable to fulfil a particular task’. Yeah I googled it. Too broad a definition for me.
Do you restart your ‘fitness’ quest every Sunday night? Telling yourself - ‘This week, I'm gonna change’, only to delay your promise by a week - every week!
In a mad world under constant attack from juiced up gym junkies, demon detox diets and irritating influencers - it seems ‘fitness’ has lost its way. It’s a damn minefield isn’t it? Spiralling to a point where selfies are a source of income and even gym bathroom mirrors are fed up of the relentless onslaught of daily topless poses. SOS! Right now it’s easy to be misled.
Don’t fret! We want to help!
Fitness: let’s not make it complicated. We’re not gonna bore you either! All of us are well aware of the benefits a ‘balanced’ (for want of a better word) diet and exercise routine can provide us with. But why do most of us fail to reach our goals? What’s getting in the way? It may be time to refocus your fitness!
Answer the following question or two, they ain’t difficult.
Is the purpose of your training simply to burn calories?
Has the weighing scales been holding you captive? Let’s not start on the weight thing, in the end of the day it’s just a highly volatile number. If you could get up out of bed this morning, your onto a winner already, don’t forget it. Why not put a purpose on your training.
Understood, of course it’s great to be in ‘shape’ or indeed aspiring to be, however to make it the cornerstone of your gym sessions could be holding you back. When it comes to training and getting fitter, why not plan on achieving something performance-based? Is your favourite athlete heading to training every morning to burn off their tub of Halo Top? Probably not.
Perhaps your perfectly happy with your goal to lose weight so keep doing your thing! The priority is enjoyment.
If you are stuck in a rut, ask yourself what's up? Why do you dread the gym? Don’t feel accountable to anyone? Poor atmosphere (Grunting in mirrors etc). Not to worry, the gym isn’t a necessity by any means. There are many more great options.
OK - one last question. What matters to you? Your family? Your job? Your sport?
It is never going to be a disadvantage to be in good physical condition!
Attach a reason and in turn an emotion to your goal. Perhaps it will give you the kick you require!
Think clearer, run faster, be more mobile, be better, be stronger, be there! Whatever it is, back yourself. Maybe you can start in the morning? If you do, the rest of your day will only get better! We are right there with ya!
Billy O’Regan is a strength and conditioning coach in Cork City. He has been working in the fitness industry for the best part of 10 years. During this time he completed a BSc in Food Business. He helps people to achieve their fitness goals through enjoyable group training and online coaching. With a passion for all areas in health and wellness, he is currently studying a Masters in Strength and Conditioning where the main focus is athlete development and sports performance.
You can follow Billy on instagram here and email Billy on [email protected]
