Quotes that motivate us have been going around Facebook and other social media platforms for a very long time now. And, obviously most of them are about fitness, as we all know how challenging following a diet and a workout routine is.
Here’s a list of my favourite top 10 quotes that have been driving me insane to keep the beast mode on.
For the one who just can’t get started
“You don’t have to be great to get started, you have to get started to be great.”
Finding reasons such as ‘I won’t be able to lift those weights’ or ‘I won’t survive an hour on the treadmill because I’m not fit enough to exercise’ are just half assed reasons to not get out of your comfort zone.
My suggestion: Do not listen to that voice in your head tune out every day for 6 days. Make friends with a fellow member, the receptionist or a trainer. Make it a point to leave your comfort zone and leave rest to the experts.
For the ones who don’t want a come back
“If you’re tired of starting all over again, then don’t quit.”
As a fitness professional I could write a book on the number of excuses and reasons I hear from people as to why they don’t want to try again after an undesirable experience which made them quit. A long list of reasons which stretch from their home to the gym include things such as – work pressure, failed attempts, injuries, etc. and the list goes on.
My suggestion: Do not to quit in the first place. If something means a lot to you, then it deserves number one priority in life. This is your body and it should be cared for, and just like any other priorities, you need to make time for it.
For the women, who want it all but can’t give their all
“Train like a man, look like a Goddess”
Although the mindset has been changing lately, there are still a few women who want to look like a Goddess but are not willing to do what it takes to reach there. Pink and green colour weights that resemble the size of cucumbers won’t get you anywhere; neither will the over doze of group class activities. Women! If you want to look hot, you got to lift and train like a man. Rephrase: You need to lift weights. Period! Muscles shape a body, unfortunately women gain muscle at a very slow rate as compared to men.
My suggestion: Involve at least 3 days of challenging weight training exercises and spend the other 3 days with your favorite cardio or group classes.
For those who want to rub Aladdin’s magic lamp (No pun intended)
“You don’t get what you wish for; you get what you work for.”
Watching your favourite actor/athlete and wishing you would look like that, but not even willing to do move a muscle; will only leave you back on that sofa where you’ve been planning your New Year’s resolution for all these years.
My suggestion: Prepare a set of small goals! Goal number #1 – find a gym close to your office. Don’t buy a pair jeans two size smaller to motivate you.
For those who mistake the health club for a relaxation spa
“Train with purpose or don’t train at all.”
Just because you spend exorbitantly on a personal trainer, a fancy gym and gym wear, doesn’t mean you are going to see results. People who visit the gym to socialize make me cringe. Figure your fitness goals. Plan your next set while you are resting between sets.
My suggestion: Take help from a fitness professional, learn about your body and chart a map for it to reach the goal. And, don’t wander off of it.
For those who can’t get it right, no matter how many times they try
“Those who practice till they get it right are persistent. Those who practice till they can’t get it wrong are masters”
Any skill related techniques take a lot of patience so you can get it right, and master it. Remember the more you try and fail, the more knowledge you accumulate on what things don’t work. Experience is a great teacher.
My suggestion: Every time you want to quit, think about what got you started in the first place. Focus and keep going.
For those having a hard time ignoring the naysayers
“I can, and I will. End of story”
How many times have your friends and close ones told you, that you can’t so something and how many times have you agreed with them?
We all are guilty of this at some point of our lives. Keeping a hard core and never say die attitude towards where you want to reach is vital in reaching your fitness goals.
My suggestion: Keep a tunnel vision of what you want to achieve, and a crystal clear image of what you are going to look like. And you will in no time turn a deaf ear to the naysayers.
For those who hang out with the wrong kind of company
“Surround yourself with fitness minded people, positivity can be contagious”
Friendship is a bond, but sometimes you need likeminded people around you who share the same goals and aspirations. The last thing you want is a bunch of friends who are least interested about their health to be a part or motivating factor for you.
My suggestion: During the weekday keep away from party mongers, you don’t want any distractions. Learn the art of balancing friendship and your own needs.
For those who want to hit two birds with one stone
“Every pound of muscle you gain should be making you stronger.”
Aesthetics comes naturally with proper nutrition, but building muscle should also be making you stronger and not only look strong. Nothing more embarrassing to a muscular person than not being able to match his strength levels with the way he looks.
My suggestion: Train for strength as it is the foundation to fitness, and then branch out into specific needs. Look the part and also be able to play the part.
For those who need will, power and dedication
“The body achieves what the mind believes.”
Whether you think, you can or you cannot, both ways you are right. Being able to accomplish a task totally depends on how you feel about it and the situation. A positive mind set is a good start to anything. The mind is a very strong weapon and it is what gives an iron will to reach your goal. Learn to train your mind so that your body will listen to you.
My suggestion: Read a lot about the strength of having a positive mind set and the results it generates. Belief and faith in yourself is what makes you move forward.
Best of luck with your training.
And, I say fuck motivation! Motivation disappears at the first sign of doubt get yourself some discipline.
Helius D'souza 