Motivation, commitment key steps to healthy lifestyle

We just finished a series of boot camps at Fontana Fitness. These are powerful group workouts at our Sparks Marina location. I always love the opportunity to connect with so many great people. These amazing "grunts" sweat their way through three weeks of intense workouts, and the changes in physical and mental states are remarkable. I love the chance to teach about fitness and share my mantras about life.

Although our clients' benefits are many, I always leave feeling as if I'm the one who truly learns though the course of a camp. I'd like to share some resulting reflections with our readers.

First, we really must exercise and do so with a heart of gratitude. We should be grateful we have the opportunity to move. I witness individuals with injuries; busy work schedules and years of inactivity push themselves closer to their ultimate selves. Fitness will drive your success in life. I believe that with each drop of sweat, weakness leaves your body. The ways of this world make it all too easy to get filled up with junk on the inside, like junk food, negative feelings, irritability and stress. You must get it out and condition yourself for the game of life, and exercise is a great way to do that.

Second, know what motivates you. This is a question I often ask my clients. You must have a motivating factor. An individual who lacks proper motivation will find it difficult to succeed. Personally, I want to be better everyday than I was the day before, and I have multiple reasons for this desire. So, what motivates you?

Third, make a commitment. If you wish to accomplish anything, you must commit to a goal and have a plan. This is one thing that touches my heart when I reflect on the groups of individuals at our boot camps who made a commitment to finish something and they did. If you have a desire to lose weight, get in shape or whatever your goals are, a promise will not do, you must make a real commitment and stick to it. State exactly what you'll do and when. Tell someone and write it down.

Finally, you must celebrate success. Winners celebrate success. Some of what we constantly do at our studio, in our camps or with our team of employees is to encourage, praise and celebrate every victory. Pat someone on the back the next time you see him or her reach a new height. I love shouting praise to walkers at the Sparks Marina or giving a thumbs up to a walking group. If you have ever seen me do this, I'm just trying to celebrate your success.

I'm reminded here of the phrase "you reap what you sow." If you're spitting negative all over, make a conscious effort to change your way of thinking, believing and acting. I believe whatever comes out of you, you'll get back many-fold in your own life. That scares me enough to make a lifetime commitment to give my best in life. Make an effort today to see where you might be able to bless someone else.

Troy Fontana is the owner of Fontana Fitness in Sparks. Contact him at 331-6918 or by e-mail at getfit@fontanafitness.com