Is your body an Ford F-150 or a Ferrari?
Is January really the best time of year to resolve to get your "best body ever?" Unless you're a well-paid fitness model, chances are that having ripped abs are not in your job description. Even paid fitness models aren't 100% ripped at all times. They often need a few weeks to really tighten up. So why are people so cranked up in January?
In my case, January is not a big stress-out time for me in terms of fitness and body image. Admittedly, I usually let up on my usual regimen over the holidays and try to let my mind and body relax a little. I indulge in a few too many sugar cookies, pour gravy on my mashed potatoes, and generally eat what I want during this period. From October - December, I think of my body as a Ford F-150 pickup (see photo below) - sturdy, durable, with some heft around the edges. I don't sweat the thickness of my skin, my more noticeable love handles, or pastey complexion. After all, it's the winter.
Once January rolls around, however, I turn up the heat. I begin my march toward a fitter body - and I'm ready for it! I'm sick of eating whatever I want. My diet starts to clean up, my workouts get more focused, and I look forward to tightening up my act. I don't go crazy at 5am on January 1st with unrealistic goals and workout schedules. I ease into it. I'm back on track, but still have 5- 6 months to go before it's officially "go time". I think of my body as more of a Lexus (see photo below) - efficient, sleek, and high-performing.
When the summer rolls around, I make a run for it. It's Ferrari time (see photo below)! The summer is my time to really get the body firing on all cylinders. For about 2 months, I do all the right things - eat well, hydrate, sleep, run, swim, etc. It's a full-time job - and, in my view, pretty unsustainable. Even Men's Fitness models and professional athletes can't keep up this type of pace indefinitely. I've got 4 young boys (8 and under) and a few full-time jobs, so taking this time to really max out is a luxury.
Have you ever thought about changing your fitness habits and outlook to coincide with the seasons? Is it really worth it to beat yourself up over a few extra pounds during the dead of winter? Cut yourself some slack. Knowing that you don't always have to be perfect can provide some needed relief in today's stressed out world. Having a goal to reach "Ferrari shape" by mid-summer is also a great motivator.
I'd love to hear how you think about your body, fitness, and goals over the course of a year.
Feel free to post your own F-150, Lexus, or Ferrari photos as well.
all the best,
phil