February 2006 Enervit News Letter

The momentum of the New Year has already taken us into February. Many of us resolve to make changes during the New Year.

How do we reach our targets? Why is it that so many people elect to give up their goal? Fitness goals are sometime tough to achieve. These are some of my observations… Usually, the pursuit of a goal is started with much enthusiasm and eagerness. These states of high energy levels see people approaching their goals with desire and at great speed.

I notice this every year when I recommence my training after taking a few weeks off. In fact, I usually begin my pre season training with some trepidation and nervousness because I know what my body is about to go through. Taking time off from training is a very important part of an athlete's life. However, getting back into the 'groove' can be tough. I always feel really lousy when I begin my running training again. My legs feel heavy and uncoordinated. Each step feels like the whole earth moved underneath the weight of my feet, which seem to thump down like elephant legs! Physically, that first part of resuming training hurts! Each year, I begin my training after my restoration phase, I know why so many others decide that fitness is best left to the fit! It seems easier to rather do nothing than endure the pain! The difference though is that I know this is ‘normal’ and I also know that this phase like many others is temporary. In a few weeks, I will begin to feel I am running more efficiently again. So, I simply accept the status quo. I go out and follow my daily routine again. For many of us, this feeling of physical discomfort dampens the initial enthusiasm. The dream seems too unattainable for many.

What happens to some people too though is the enthusiasm is so high they fall into the trap of "too much too soon". They do more than their body can manage at its current level of conditioning. Soon enough, the person is either exhausted or the body gets injured or sick. Again, this dampens the person willingness to achieve their goal.

Without a doubt, the best way to achieve what you want is through Consistency and Gradual increases. At the outset of pursuing a physical goal, the "Less is More" philosophy is key to success. Do lots of little and often! The frequency of your training is fundamental in building a base phase. This however has one important requirement: Patience. Top body conditioning takes time. Enjoy the journey in getting there!