The Real Secret to Being Fit and Looking Your Best

When I stepped into a gym for the first time 22 years ago little did I realize that it would be the beginning of a lifelong passion. Today, I am a health and fitness coach while also doubling my time as a lawyer. I had always been a fitness enthusiast but there was something about working out at the gym that I enjoyed more than anything else. Perhaps because every time I lift weights it isn’t just about training my body but about mastering my mind. I am strong believer in the idea that when we have trained the mind, the body follows. Initially, I was motivated by the idea of building a sculpted body. When I looked around, I saw many men who could easily be mistaken for poster boys of the next issue of a fitness magazine. However, I was extremely disappointed to find out about all the health issues these seemingly fit people face. Looking fit is not always synonymous with being healthy. Their diet which was high on artificial supplements and overall unwholesome was taking a heavy toll on their wellbeing. When I finally launched my own gym, The Fitness Box, I knew that there was no way that I would be promoting these unhealthy and in my opinion, unethical, practices. From the very beginning, I have advised my clients to stick to a wholesome diet with simple home cooked food. I always tell my clients to refrain from categorizing food as protein, carbs, fat, etc. It is very important to treat food with respect while also relishing the process of feeding our bodies. I am a strong advocate of eating real food instead of loading the body with artificial chemicals and hormones. My approach to exercise is also a moderate one. 30-40 minutes of daily exercise is enough to retain optimum levels of fitness. Unfortunately, the fitness industry is currently dominated by a demand for short cuts – it’s all about the next superfood or performance enhancing/muscle building/fat burning supplement on the block. The use of steroids and performance enhancing drugs is rampant. I wish people would realize that looking a certain way doesn’t guarantee good health or real strength and fitness. In my opinion, looking aesthetically pleasing should be a side effect of leading a disciplined life and not the primary or sole motivation for joining a gym. There is no short cut for being healthy and looking great. It takes work, dedication, and commitment. It’s sad that very few people are willing to make such a long-term investment. Back in the days, there were no super foods, no performance enhancing drugs – the focus was entirely on living a disciplined life and enjoying the food that we did eat. As a result, it was easy for people to remain strong and healthy for life. The human body is a magnificent creation. We should focus on keeping ourselves fit and healthy. Hence, I would urge you to maintain a clean and wholesome diet. Be sure to engage in some form of physical activity for 30-40 minutes every day. There is no secret formula – consistency is the only key that opens the lock to lifelong fitness and good health. For this, you must discipline your mind first. Whatever you can convince your mind to do, your body will be able to follow suit. Remain disciplined and consistent with everything you do – whether it is your workouts, sleep schedule or food habits. Fitness is not a goalpost – it is a way of life. If there is only one thing that you took away from this article, then let it be this – train your body and your mind will follow. Teach your mind to enjoy the things that are good for you – great health and a fit body will come to you of their own accord.