Do you want to feel better? Would you like more energy? Would you like to add years to your life?
If your answers are YES, then I have the answer!
We all know the benefits to a healthy lifestyle and exercise, but the latter is not just about raising heart rate and pumping iron. With the loss of physical health, motivation, productivity, and focus is also affected.
Why exercise really works
Exercise increases concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that moderates the brain's response to stress, so the prescription is fast-acting and proven.
Exercise promotes excellence
I’ve learned first-hand that exercising also promotes excellence in all other areas of my life, and a lack of it creates the opposite. This is why I will often go for a quick run after a long day: it’s then I can de-stress. I’m alone with my thoughts and I use this time to decide how best to deal with pressing issues or to create new ideas for my business.
Similarly, when on holiday, my family understands that by giving me a regular window to get my physical and chemical fix, I can then relax and enjoy downtime much more.
But is it selfish of me…?
Sure, stepping away from precious family time can be a selfish act, but your own happiness is solely the responsibility of you. In some cases, exercise can be just as effective as pills in treating depression.
Don’t overcomplicate it…it’s simple!
Exercise is the easiest area of my life to control. It’s simple to measure: either I get up and get on with it, or I don’t. When I do, it lifts all other areas of my life, both personal and business. When I don’t, everything suffers.
No regrets
Over the past three years, I have coached over 4,500 personal training sessions and around 50% of those clients come in with a mentally lethargic approach:
‘I’m not looking forward to this.”
“I suppose I should do this.”
“I was going to cancel today, but thought I’d better not.”
And yet, I have never had a client at the end of a session say they regretted doing it.
Monday, 7 April is World Health Day
Celebrated annually, World Health Day draws attention to living a healthy life. With spring settling in and warmer weather brightening your mood, April is a great time to get up and active.
You don’t need to force yourself to go on long outdoor runs, and you don’t need to be setting a personal best every time you go out. In fact, often the intensity or kgs being lifted are irrelevant unless you’re training for a specific event. The point is to get up, get out and get on with it.
Find a discipline you like, be it weight training, swimming, spin classes or a mixture.
The hardest part is always the first step…but trust me, you won’t regret it.
Nicky Forster had a professional football career spanning over 20 years, playing a total of 721 professional games and scoring 221 goals for eight teams. He represented England at U21 level, playing alongside David Beckham and Phil Neville, and also managed Brentford FC. He now spends his time as a keynote/motivational speaker, and at The Spot Wellness Centre in Godstone.
