Becoming Balanced Physically

Why do cardio junkies only do cardio classes and muscle addicts do only muscle toning? As a fitness instructor and coordinator, I notice that some individuals only take muscle toning classes while others only do yoga and Pilates. My opinion is that the answer is fundamentally a question of personality and human nature rather than anything else....

Generally, people stick to a certain fitness regimen and become anxious at the thought of altering their pattern of training even though they would benefit on all levels. We know that variety in exercise is not only the spice of the gym but will keep us motivated. It also prevents chronic overuse injuries and improves general fitness We as human beings do not like to fail. We don't want people to think we are weak and we want to look strong at all times. I suspect that the reason, some people only do cardio while others only do muscle is that they are probably good at it. This in turn, makes us like the activity even more. Every session is successful and we look good in front of others. On the other hand, if you are a cardio person and have a well-developed aerobic capacity, anaerobic style classes such as muscle toning, aerobox and boot camp may be painful and incredibly challenging. I know this was the case for me. I could easily do 60 minutes of high impact aerobics and still have plenty of energy but was wiped out after 10 minutes of squats. There are of course physiological reasons why this is the case, but I believe that it is because of personality that we do not chose to work on our weaknesses even though we know down deep that it would be good for us.

Deciding to work on our weaknesses makes us vulnerable. It means that we accept that we have them. It means that other people might also see that we are vulnerable. We also may not necessarily want to think of the gym as the place where we will confront new challenges in our lives.

I encourage all of you to take the bull by the horns and address your weaknesses. The gym provides a good venue to work on the parts of yourself where you are weaker. If you only do yoga, try something completely different, if you are a cardio junkie do push-ups. My personal process was simple and inspired from advice I once had from a yoga instructor. If you hate a particular exercise (push-ups, for ex), then you may very well need it. Over the years, I have worked on my weaknesses and have embraced these challenges. Some of these weaknesses have become strengths. I am rewarded by my little successes…

Facing up to new challenges and working my weaknesses in the gym, not only improved my fitness level but also showed me success that comes from hard work is often the most rewarding.

Comments: e-mail diana@di-namicfitness.com

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