Outside the gym.

Many of us seem to live dual lives (myself included sometimes). We train hard, use proper form, sweat, endure pain etc. all in an effort to get stronger, run faster, look better or whatever other goal we're after. For that hour we are as dedicated as anyone. In the gym we do what it takes to get results.

There's one problem though, and it's a BIG one. There are another 23 hours in the day in which that dedication, that enthusiasm can begin to slip away. There are meals to plan, water to drink, vitamins and other supplements to take, foods we need to eat and avoid, cardiovascualar work and stretching we need to get done.

As a trainer, I only have two to four hours per week where I have some control as it realtes to achieveing your goals. It's up to the individual to keep those reigns tight the rest of the day and keep him or herself on track. You must assume that control. You must take over after and between those training sessions.

Maintaining that discipline 'aint easy however. Not for me and not for you. It takes a special kind of restraint to say no to our favorite foods. It takes even more discipline to prepare and eat a balanced meal up to six times per day. It can be painful at times and you'll find yourself giving in. We all mess up from time to time. I know for me, I may forget to eat on time or I may even forget to bring food with me. This leads to hunger which leads to a chemical-driven impulse to eat whatever we can get our hands on and unfortunately for us, fast food is just a turn of the steering wheel away.

I can tell you from experience that a donut or a cheeseburger only tastes good for a very short time. The pleasure we get from that junk is quickly replaced by guilt and frustration. Frustration that stems from having given in, from being momentarily weak-willed. From being "beaten" by a vice. The pain or embarrasment we may feel when it comes time to "take it off" at the pool, at home or anywhere else is just not worth the short-lived pleasure we got when we gave in. It's not worth it when you get your bloodwork done at your next physical and the doctor looks at you over his glasses as he tells you your cholesterol is too high. It's not worth it when you can't seem to slip on those pants that fit just last year.

So what are you going to do? Are you going to give in to that cake? That pizza? Are you going to skip your fish-oil capsules lamenting "I have to take SIX of these every DAY!"? Will you say "no thanks" to that beer or frozen mudslide? Will you fight your cravings? Or will you go along with the masses and give in? Will you stand out from the crowd with the ability to resist temptation?

It's your choice. And it IS a choice. A choice to better yourself, your health, your appearance. A choice to be healthier, to live longer, to avoid the doctor's office.

Say yes and give in or say no and reap the benefits... how will you choose?