Kicking off a fitness regime can be challenging when you have been out of the game for a while. The new year is a time when many people decide to take on the challenge
of getting fit. But it can be intimidating.
Vancouver is said to be one of the fittest cities in Canada and our North Shore rugged terrain is a training ground for elite athletes. Not to mention the North Shore is host to some seriously renowned
races such as the Knee Knacker, Spartan races and the Iron Knee, to name a few. So how do you get started when you're not sure if you fit in?You are not alone. It may feel like everyone is too fast, too fit and looks too darn good in their carefully
coordinated fitness gear. The goal for most people is to have a healthy and productive life. So while the Knee Knacker may be far out of reach for now, taking a step off the start line is the most empowering thing
you can do. The following are some tips to help you get started.
It's important to abandon any belief system around what used to be. How fast, how far, how great you were in high school may not have relevance any longer. While muscles do have memory, keep your expectations in check and start with realistic beginnings.For some reason our minds talk us out of a lot of great things, usually because of fear. If we can get our minds on board with our bodies, we can accomplish more. Try reciting this daily mantra: "I am an athlete." Even if you feel like a fake, try to fake it till you make it. Just like professional athletes, training starts with visualization. Seem hokey? Not for the pros. Sports teams use this because it is a great tool to get your mind and body familiar with the events that are about to occur. Preparation is the third of five stages in making changes (preceding pre-
contemplation and contemplation). After you have contemplated the desire to get active it is time to plan and prepare for action. This
tip is very important to help sustain your fitness regime. Plan it out and put it in the calendar like any other appointment. Protect your training time because there is nothing more important than your health.
Find something that you enjoy. If you hate it, you won't do it, not for long anyway. An active lifestyle is something that is a lifetime event. It shouldn't be a 30-day plan. Although tempting, be skeptical of anything that promises seven days to something or a 30-day transformation. Such plans are usually not sustainable. Leverage inspiration. Whether you enjoy reading fitness magazines, attending sporting events or appreciating and celebrating the many athletes you see around the North Shore, use this platform for inspiration.
If they can do it, so can you. Follow their lead. Move your body for the right reasons. Don't choose your goal because you're panicked that tank
top season is coming. That can be a motivator, but it is ultimately a short-term approach and comes from superficial motivation. Do it for you, your health and your life's longevity.
Your motivation should include being the best version of you and living to your full potential.Believe in yourself. Yes, you might have to fake it till you make it, and the first month or so may be really difficult, but know that
you can do it. I have trained many people with sedentary lifestyles and watched them turn into amazing athletes. If you have a dream, heart and dedication, you are more likely to succeed.
Athleticism is for everyone. There can be an athlete living inside of us all. All you need is the belief, the desire and the right training ground to dig deep and live your athletic dreams.
Louise Green is a North Shore resident and a certified personal trainer. She is the founder of Body Exchange, which caters to a plus-size demographic. She regularly takes advantage of the North Shore trails and mountains for hikes, runs and skiing.
