Appreciate to motivate - Publisher's Letter - enjoying fitness activity - Brief Article - Editorial

I'm often approached by people wanting to learn the secret to staying in shape. Funny, but those who don't exercise on a regular basis always think there's a "secret." What I tell them is that there is none. No two people are exactly alike--therefore, there is no easy solution, no simple formula that works for every individual. What motivates me might not serve as inspirational fodder for you. In my experience, however, the common ingredients among those who live an active lifestyle are dedication, willpower and, most of all, a genuine love for what they do.

You have to be realistic, both in your activities and in your goals. Go full-throttle 100 percent of the time, and you'll burn out before you know it; aspire for an unreachable goal, and you'll become discouraged by your lack of progress. If getting in shape were easy, everybody would be fit. But it isn't. It becomes a whole lot easier when you participate in an activity that you enjoy. It's impossible to put your heart into something you don't like to do. Should you try, sooner or later your enthusiasm will wane and your participation will suffer. But find something that you look forward to doing, and you'll exceed your expectations by a mile.

There is a rule in fitness, one that surpasses all others in importance: Be there. Both in mind and in body. You're guaranteed to fulfill this mandate if you pursue fitness through doing something you love.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group