As you may have guessed I'm a big fan of Tony Horton's P90X and his overall approach to health and fitness as a lifestyle and lifelong passion. A friend shared this with me about 1 year ago and I share this with you because it works. I don't say it works because the experts and research say it works. I say it works because I have lived it for about 13 months and have never felt better and never been stronger. I'm, by no means, perfect but I persist, learn and continue become a better me. I have printed the 11 Laws of Health and Fitness and I keep a copy with my workout logs and and in my menu planning binder (download below).
1. Variety: Practice the Three Cs - BE CREATIVE. STAY CURIOUS. LIVE COMMITTED. Stick with the kinds of workouts that you enjoy. A variety of exercises, workouts, and sports will allow you to avoid injuries, plateaus and boredom.
2. Consistency: SHOW UP - BE PATIENT - FOLLOW THROUGH The more you do the better you get. A lifestyle that includes multiple forms of exercise five to six days a week guarantees results.
3. Intensity: YOU’RE TOUGHER THAN YOU THINK. Learn to "find the line" for yourself and create a balance of going above and below that. Do the extra rep or two, increase your range of motion, and increase resistance as you get stronger.
4. Purpose: FIND YOUR REASON WHY What will keep you coming back for more? Do you desire better health and vitality or do you want to improve your fitness? Perhaps you desire more energy and enthusiasm for life or self-esteem and confidence. Do you want to be healthy for your children?
5. Reality: THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE Stop living in the past, the future and for other people. Know the difference between the truth and fantasy for your life. Accept who you are today! Find a workout that works for you and your body type and choose workouts that target your strengths and weaknesses.
6. Sport: GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY! Set a goal, take a class, sign up for a race, explore, meet new people and challenge yourself!
7. The Plan: CREATE ACCOUNTABILITY Plan it and you'll do it - wing it and you won't. Write it down, talk about it, schedule workouts and stay accountable with a partner.
8. Stress and Sleep STRESSED OUT AND SLEEP DEPRIVED? There's a good chance you don't eat right or exercise. Find ways to combat stress. A healthy lifestyle requires restorative sleep, patience and stress management.
9. Love it...or leave it! WHAT BRINGS YOU BACK DAY AFTER DAY? If it feels like work, then it won't work. Find out what you love (no matter what anyone else says) and do that!
10. Flexibility: THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH Flexibility improves strength conditioning and cardiovascular conditioning. Stretching, pilates and yoga can replenish natural flexibility and the durability of our youth!
11. Food and Supplements: YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT! Food is energy that feeds the mind, body and spirit...or not. Don't use pills, potions or processed foods to lose weight. Eat fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats to maintain your health and fitness. Healthy foods combined with regular exercise helps with weight loss, increased energy, recovery from workouts and helps maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints.
Try it! You might be surprised!
Print this: 11 Laws of Health and Fitness
these are great i think i'll post them over my desk!
Posted by: courtney | November 07, 2011 at 10:32 PM
and i'll be thinking about you tomorrow! hope it all goes smoothly!
Posted by: courtney | November 07, 2011 at 10:33 PM
Hi Courtney, that's exactly what I did when I started!
Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
I believe no decision should be made while running up hill. ~Nike
Posted by: jillconyers | November 08, 2011 at 03:26 AM
I love this! I'm printing and sharing, Jill.
Awesome!
Kim
www.thefitnessmoms.com
Posted by: Kim | November 08, 2011 at 08:30 AM
Hi Kim. It was exactly what I needed 1 year ago! Off to visit The Fitness Moms :)
Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
I believe no decision should be made while running up hill. ~Nike
Posted by: jillconyers | November 08, 2011 at 08:33 AM
a great list for sure! It's definitely why I stick with running, I do love it and it brings me back every day
Posted by: Amanda - RunToTheFinish | November 08, 2011 at 10:16 AM
JILL!!! I LOVE THIS! thanks so much for sharing...this list is awesome! i loved the parts reminding me that I am stronger than I think I am. Also...variety. I have really been trying to switch up my workouts lately and I feel more engaged and less bored. I put in more effort! Lastly...food. I have felt a world of a difference since I have started getting back on track with my eating.
Posted by: Julia | November 08, 2011 at 12:30 PM
Me too!
Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
I believe no decision should be made while running up hill. ~Nike
Posted by: jillconyers | November 08, 2011 at 05:01 PM
All good comments, Jill. I just started using Tony Horton's ten minute trainer. Very nice program for those who are busy. I've been having problems with #8 lately. Felt awful while working with little sleep and felt great at work after a good night sleep. We get back what we put into our bodies whether it's food, sleep, or exercise.
Posted by: health and exercise over 50 | November 08, 2011 at 05:57 PM
Hi Julia. This list has been the key to meeting some of my fitness goals this year. Bring on 2012! We all need reminders every now and then that we're stronger than we think :)
Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
I believe no decision should be made while running up hill. ~Nike
Posted by: jillconyers | November 08, 2011 at 08:43 PM
You're right and getting enough sleep is one "law" I often struggle with.
Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
I believe no decision should be made while running up hill. ~Nike
Posted by: jillconyers | November 08, 2011 at 08:51 PM
These are indeed laws! I mean, you won't be healthy and fit without following these. Great article. Thanks!
Posted by: Bryan | November 09, 2011 at 10:15 AM