Fit For Life: An 8-Step Plan For Better Living

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Matt Espeut, GoLocalWorcester Health + Lifestyle Contributor

Ready to get fit and change your life? Follow these steps and you'll be well on your way.

When asked what I do for a living, the first word that comes to mind is ‘motivate’. I try to show all the positive aspects of living a healthy lifestyle while making people more aware of the negative effects of not doing so. Many health and fitness experts are extremists and spend lots of time protesting against large companies making junk food. However, from a personal perspective, I feel my job is to lead by example and educate people so they do not support and eat these products.

We are seeing the government stepping in and beginning making changes: food labeling, sugar content modification, GMO management, etc. Companies will be motivated to change when we no longer buy their products. By my sharing information, scientific data, giving good examples of healthy living, and working with individuals on their personal fitness plans and goals, I hope I am able to motivate any one who is interested in living a fit, healthy life. As we do our job on a personal change basis, we will influence global change as well.

So, here’s where we start!

M–Mind must be in it.

This is where it all begins. You have to realize that it is time for a change. Your mind is the willpower and your heart is the drive. You need to play the scenario over in your head that you are taking the first step. This step is up to you and is the only way you will improve your situation…sound mind to build a sound body.

O–Overcome all fears, excuses, and obstacles.

You are not the first person to make a change for the better and you won't be the last. Set goals that are attainable and then progress from there. When this happens, you are on your way and nothing will stop you.

T–Take the first step.

Buy some workout clothes and sneakers, join a gym, hire a trainer, recruit a partner. Whatever it takes to get you started on your path. You will find that this is the toughest step, but once you start feeling the benefits, you will realize you did the right thing.

I–Integrate health and fitness into your lifestyle.

Now that you’ve started, make it your routine. Just like eating and sleeping, make fitness part of your life. I'm not telling you to be obsessive about it, but make it a high priority in your life. Schedule it in as a regular activity and give it priority on that to-do list.

V–Value your existence.

What are you worth healthy vs. being sick? Realize what you are worth to your family and career. If you say I am too busy with work and your family to exercise, ask yourself this question, “What if I have a heart attack, become diabetic, get sick or become obese? What do I do then? What does my family do?” Taking care of yourself is money in the bank, and an investment for your later years. When you take care of you, everyone around you will benefit.

A–Appreciate how simple a healthy life can be.

If you are eating whole foods and exercising on a regular basis, I can guarantee that you are feeling better. If you are exercising properly, I guarantee you are moving better, standing taller, looking better, and performing everything in life at a higher level. Appreciate this–you worked for it.

T–Turn away from temptation.

It's around every corner. Don't totally deprive your self of treats and cheating once in a while, but don't make it a habit. Keep it a rarity. I love sweets, so when I want cake or a cookie, I buy one piece or one cookie and eliminate the temptation of going back for seconds. Do not buy these treats in bulk. Don’t keep them in your house.

E–Exist on a different level.

People that do not live a health-conscious lifestyle see people that do as an oddity because we use food and exercise as our path to what I consider a functional existence. You will more than likely no longer need to rely on OTC drugs to alleviate joint pain, asthma, or indigestion. Your behavior associated health risks will decrease dramatically, your waistline will get smaller, you will have more energy, and you will definitely elevate your mood. You will exist on a different level. Call me odd if you want–I'll be at the top of the hill waiting for you.

Matt Espeut has worked as a personal trainer for almost 20 years with clients ranging in age from 14 to 86. His focus is on overall health, strength, and functional conditioning. Holistic health and nutrition is the cornerstone of all his programs. Matt works in private and small group training available at your home or office location or at gym facilities. Matt offers his services to everyone wanting to be more fit and healthy, overweight young people, youth/collegiate athletes, and seniors. Matt has worked and continues to train at several facilities in the Providence area including Gold's Gym and CORE Studio, and he believes continued education is a must in his field. Email Matt: [email protected], check out his website at www.fitnessprofiles.net or on Facebook at Matt Espeut or on Twitter @MattEspeut.

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