Honesty, Discipline Lead to Reaching Fitness Goals

November 2, 2007

Recently, when asked what I think makes a client successful in reaching fitness goals, two qualities stood out in my mind. These are honesty and discipline. Let's look at these two personal values and see how they can affect our lives.

In my years as a personal trainer, I've had several clients who believed they could hire a trainer, simply show up for their workouts and expect to reach their goals.  Although they might see some small and immediate improvements, any long-term goal cannot be reached with this mind-set. This is where honesty and discipline come into play.

I use a unique calendar tracking system to help my clients plan and monitor their progress. This highlights their nutritional habits and workout routines.  By honestly reporting nutritional choices and actual workouts, this system has helped many clients achieve long-term success.

Clients who choose not to follow this system often point an accusatory finger somewhere else. The list of excuses seems never ending, such as: "There's no time. My spouse has poor eating habits. There were no healthy foods in the house. I'm too tired. My body hurts. I had to travel for business."  The easiest thing to do is blame outside circumstances when we come up short, but the truth is, it's all up to you. You control your own destiny. Be honest with yourself and build up to the self-discipline you need to succeed.  Write your plan on a calendar, note the times you actually follow your plan, and use discipline to stick to the plan.  The following story illustrates the kind of honest reflection and self-discipline we need.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, bare-knuckle boxers, such as John L. Sullivan, Charlie Mitchell and Jake Kilrain, were the gladiators of their time.  These fighters would square off in small boxing arenas to battle with one another for rounds upon rounds. Fights often lasted more than 80 rounds and continued for hours.  After each round, the fighters would go to their respective corners to be coached and physically assessed by their team.

It was during these small breaks that the fighters became aware of their pain and wounds. They had to make a decision after each round whether to continue or throw in the towel.  As the next round began, the referee would call the fighters to the center of the ring, draw a line with his foot and tell the fighters to "toe the line" or to stand toe-to-toe on the line.

This is where character is tested. Do you have the self-discipline to toe the line?

The easiest thing to do is skip a workout and overindulge on your favorite food. I challenge you to be honest, get up, get in the game and embrace the challenge that lies ahead.  We all know there will be tough days -- days where it may seem impossible to stay the course. You have to ask yourself if you're willing to get up and toe the line.

Your answer to this question just may decide your destiny.

Troy Fontana, owner of Fontana Fitness in Sparks, can be reached at 331-6918 or getfit@fontanafitness.com