Fit For Life: Be The Change You Want To See

Saturday, October 01, 2016

Matt Espeut, GoLocalWorcester Health +Lifestyle Contributor

Some people have it, others don't. Some stay motivated all the time. They always arrive to work on time or early. They are always prepared for their day. They never miss a workout, always eat healthy, and never let their health diminish by staying in shape year round. Others don't have the interest or motivation and it takes a wake-up call from the doctor or hitting rock bottom to turn things around and gain the strength to make a change.

The good news is that we all have the ability to make changes that will result in self-improvement. Many people just need to change their daily habits, and create a positive mindset. You have two choices, either do something now, or wait until you have no choice, and by then it becomes more difficult.

I prefer being pro-active rather than being reactive, but others don’t always see it that way. They wait until they get sick, or can’t fit into their clothes before changing their lifestyle. I try to encourage people to get and stay healthy BEFORE this happens.

Sometimes it’s a matter of needing something, rather than wanting something. Many folks need pressure in order to correct the problems they have. I always tell people that I can’t want it more than you. Meaning that I can’t want you to be fit and healthy more than you want to be, or the program here at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp won’t work.

Are you worth it?

The people that are most successful are the ones that wake up and look in the mirror, and say to themselves “you are worth it, I am going to take better care of you, before it’s too late”. It works this way with earning money also. Some won’t work hard or change jobs they hate until they are in debt, broke, or so stressed out they require medication. Then they are forced to step up, and make some changes. But others make the choice to not let that happen to them, and they work their butts off to prevent it.

The fact is that you are not alone, and whatever problems you may have, others share your pain. Life is difficult for many of us, and we are going to run into roadblocks that could potentially bring us down daily. Don’t let this be an excuse to let things get out of hand.

First you need to realize the things that need fixing, and if you can’t do it alone, get help. Focus on your goals and what you can do to make yourself better. Don't compare yourself to others. There will always be someone that has it worse than you. Don't compare yourself to them. Stop telling yourself, “I’m 50lbs overweight but my friend is 100lbs overweight, so at least I’m better than that.” This will keep you from accomplishing anything.

Look for positive influence.

When setting goals, you need to look up to someone that will have a positive influence on you, not someone that makes you feel content. Someone always has it better. Also, don't compare yourself to them, either. Not only is that discouraging but you don't know everyone's situation and what appears great on the outside could be fatal on the inside. Someone could look fit, but have family and financial issues. I know a lot of millionaires, and sometimes I let myself feel inferior to them, but when you look deeper, money is all they have, and that’s not the most important thing in life.

I am not a financial advisor, nor am I a therapist, but what I specialize in is getting people both physically and mentally healthy. I do it through movement and good nutrition. I know for a fact that when your health and physique improves, it creates a domino effect in your life for the positive. I also know for a fact that everyone is capable of better health and fitness, and the most common thing that stands in the way, is the way we think. Or don’t think.

So – THINK!

Yes, think - think about where you are now, and think of where you could end up if you continue the lifestyle you are living. Then think of how you can improve it before it’s too late. If it’s fitness and health you are after, drop me a line. Remember it’s better to be pro-active than reactive.

Matt Espeut, GoLocal's Health & Lifestyle Contributor has been a personal trainer and health & fitnesss consultant for over 25 years. He is the owner of Fitness Profiles, a one on one, and small group personal training company, as well as Providence Fit Body Boot Camp, located at 1284 North Main St., on the Providence/Pawtucket line. You can reach Matt at (401) 453-3200; on Facebook at "Matt Espeut", and on Twitter at @MattEspeut. "We’re all in this life together – let’s make it a healthy one!

Related Slideshow: The 7 Best Health and Fitness Apps

Here is a list of some of the most obsession worthy health apps.

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MapMyRun

MapMyRun is the number one selling running app for a reason: it is easy to use, offers community support if you want it, and tracks and stores your exact routes for you. If you are training for a race or a serious runner, users say that the extra perks in the upgraded paid version are well worth it.

Made for iPhone, Android and Blackberry

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MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal seems to be the clear favorite amongst everyone polled. It is helpful not only for the fitness tracking aspect, but everyone polled mentioned how much they loved the food/diet aspect as well. From carb counting for diabetics to recipe ideas to complement your fitness goals, users love this app.

Made for iPhone and Android

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JeFit

JeFit is another fitness app that has rave reviews. It not only tracks progress for you, but offers a huge database of workouts. While many apps offer community support, JeFit allows you to sync workouts with friends who use the app, offering a (real) virtual buddy system.

Made for iPhone and Android

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Strava

Strava gets the highest mark of all the cycling apps. While it is also great for runners, the cyclers seem particularly inclined towards the fierce competition that can be ignited by this app. You can track all of your rides via GPS, then you can compare your efforts to those logged by others in the community on the same stretch of road. You can also join ongoing challenges that can net you great prizes (in addition to bragging rights).

Made for iPhone and Android

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YogaStudio

YogaStudio gets the top vote for Yoga apps. It has a lengthy collection of full class-length videos available at your fingertips. Unlike many other apps, this one also allows you to customize your own video yoga class. All of the poses are done by qualified yoga instructors, and you can find classes suitable for all levels of yogis.

Made for iPhone only

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SimplyBeing

SimplyBeing meditation app offers the best of both worlds. You can choose to run this app as a background for your meditation with soothing music or natural sounds that run for a set amount of time. Conversely, for those of you who have trouble focusing during meditation, you can choose a soothing voice-guided meditation.

Made for iPhone and Android

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Fooducate

Fooducate is an app all about educating people so that they make healthier food choices. Although not perfect, this app is easy to use (you can even take pictures of bar codes to instantly find foods in their database). It gives food a letter grade, tells you the pluses and minuses, and gives you better ranked alternatives. You can also use it as a weight loss tool by tracking your daily calories.

Made for iPhone and Android