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Previous issues: 2004 Soapboxes
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Aimee's Soapbox!
July 2005: The Gospel According to Aimee
Over the years, I have noticed that many people have the same basic questions about training and nutrition.
In fact, the Lifestyle Program that I outlined in the March-June 2004 Soapboxes grew out of those questions.
My clients all seemed to ask me the same things, so I finally just compiled all the questions and answers and
then put them into a Simply Fit Lifestyle handbook.
It was actually nice for me to set everything out for MYSELF too. It helped me solidify and clarify my
beliefs. And that it made it easier for me to preach from my soapbox.....
Anyway, I've sort of boiled down the Program into ten basic guidelines that I try to follow. Below, then,
is the Gospel according to Aimee. Please raise your right hand and repeat after me:
1. EATING HEALTHY IS LIVING HEALTHY. I honor my body with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and
plenty of water. I believe that processed foods, empty calories, and meat-by-products are an insult to my
healthy lifestyle.
2. ALL FIVE COMPONENTS OF FITNESS ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT. While I acknowledge that running is very groovy, I
know that it is only one piece of the picture. I incorporate cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance,
muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition into my workouts.
3. LEG EXTENSIONS ARE DUMB. In my pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, I ensure that my activities are
both safe and effective. Exercises or habits that do not contribute to my well-being or that hurt me are,
well, dumb. Speaking of which. . .
4. LIPOSUCTION IS UNTHINKABLE. I avoid things that prevent me from enjoying a healthy lifestyle. Among
these negatives are drugs, physical inactivity, overeating, restrictive clothing, low self-esteem, and
dissoluteness.
5. A SHORT WORKOUT IS BETTER THAN NO WORKOUT. I enhance my physical well-being every day, even if it is
20 pushups or a walk around the block or a couple of yoga poses. I should expect to enjoy a quality of life
that allows me to shovel snow, play with my children, and climb stairs without wheezing, aches, or pains.
6. RELAXATION IS GROOVY. I respect my inner self with at least 15 minutes of solitude
daily. I recognize that deep breathing, visualization, and power naps are essential tools for
preventing heart attacks, ulcers, muscle tension, and headaches.
7. IT'S ALL CONNECTED. I seek to understand the big picture and see the whole, not just the parts. I
acknowledge that my knee pain may signal an imbalance somewhere else, and I strive to listen to my body's
messages.
8. LET MY SUCCESSES REFLECT MY VALUES. I talk the talk AND walk the walk. Participating in activities or
situations that do not embody my beliefs and principles can only be hurtful to me or others.
9. THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO GET GOING. I combine my intention with an action in order to fully honor my
dreams. Realizing that motion begets motion, I know that the most important step is the first one because that's
the one that starts the next journey.
10. BALANCE IS THE KEY TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP. For ultimate quality of life, I unite my mind, body, and
spirit. Empowering thoughts, a clean and healthy body, and a sense of inner peace all work together to
create a full and joyous life. It's all in the perspective, baby.
Now, of course, this is my Soapbox and my Gospel. So these things work for me. You might want to try
compiling your own list of guidelines. You might find that it helps you understand your own beliefs and
priorities. Or it can help MAKE your beliefs into priorities. Either way, you win! Yay!
Here's my suggestion. Come up with your Top Ten List, and then actually put it down on paper. It's all
well and good to talk about getting back in shape or losing ten pounds, but it's more effective to commit to
a complete LIFESTYLE. So write your list, sign it like a contract, and post it on the fridge! You might be
pleasantly surprised by the effect it has.
And here ends the reading. . . .
Coming up...
How's your training going? What questions do you have? Let me know your thoughts and concerns!
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