Updated: Nov 24, 2021
~ Lashley Training Center ~
By Sarah Elise
What’s your why? or rather ‘Who’ is your why? When you awake in the morning and set your intentions - for whom or what are you living? Is there a clan of offspring that drives your determination? A spouse or significant other you aim to please? Or are you simply sold on the whole “healthy lifestyle choices” and value what you see in the mirror? Your will to stay alive and thrive may change with time, but your underlying “why” should remain the same.
You first.
Just like the pilot says before take-off - ‘You can’t help others if you don’t help yourself.’
We live in a world where we are constantly putting others before ourselves - our children, spouses, jobs, even entertainment and celebrities we don’t know, neglecting the one person who needs the most attention - ourselves. That’s not to say we should become a selfish, entitled society, but if there’s one thing COVID-19 taught us, it’s that our own physical, mental, and emotional health are of utmost importance in the current times.
Living and adapting in a COVID-19 world for the past two years, we have witnessed an increase in stress, depression, anxiety, isolation, fear, frustration, confusion, anger, boredom, laziness, job loss, financial hardship, division, and so much more. And if, like the rest of us, you were blindsided, there wasn’t much time to prepare your body physically to make yourself less vulnerable. We know for certain that this virus targets elderly, but unfortunately there’s no age-reverser on the market yet. We also know the ‘Rona attacks anyone with a comorbidity (simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions in a person). While obesity only accounts for about 3% according to recent CDC data on the prevalence of co-morbidities in COVID-19 fatalities, we know that with obesity comes a Pandora’s box.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. These are among the leading causes of preventable, premature death.” And that’s not even all. The heart, lung and organ issues are just the beginning. With that comes the mental and emotional stress of wanting a different lifestyle, but not knowing how or even having the motivation to make such a major change. This stress takes the form of depression, anxiety, binge-eating, fad diets, and all other negative habits we take on to ignore the issue at hand.
This cycle needs to stop. There are no excuses to be made for refusing to be the best version of ourselves. In the end, it’s not just about shedding weight - it’s about building a stronger defense against crazy bat viruses that come out of left field to take you away from everything you love. It’s not just about feeling comfortable or looking hot in a swimsuit - it’s about showing your children or loved ones that this lifestyle is a new and improved part of you. Guarantee they follow suit, or your money back. Bring your kid to the gym, and watch them abandon their screens to start throwing around some weight “like Mom does”. Hit the gym daily and watch your significant other become inspired to get up and join. Start a health revolution, and
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Gandhi
Not sure where to begin? I know a great place! Lashley Training Center has a group of amazing personal trainers waiting to help you transform your life.
They leave no room for excuses...
Kids make it impossible to work out?? -- Bring them with you - they can play or join in with modified exercises.
Financial hardship?? -- They do payment plans and reduced pricing for struggling families.
Busy work schedule?? -- Multiple locations and 24-7 gym access - can’t let “the man” get allll of your time and energy - YOU deserve some, too!
Don’t like working out alone?? -- There’s numerous classes and boot camps to join and be a part of a group.
Don’t let your excuses be the reason you aren’t the best version of yourself.
Be. The. Change.