Don’t be a Pooh . . . it’s all up to you

“A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise.” – Winnie-the-Pooh, A.A. Milne

Here are some sobering statistics for Americans: 30.7 percent are overweight; 42.4 percent are obese; 9.2 percent are severely obese.¹

I am sorry to report these numbers, but take heart, there is a remedy. Actually, and thankfully, there is more than one remedy. Let’s explore and take another look at Pooh’s quote above. Pooh obviously contemplates a more svelte appearance and wishes for it. Does he wish it enough to make the necessary changes? Apparently not!

While Pooh’s reluctance to make the necessary choices to change his plump profile will not provide results, he is after all a fictional character. We can read and enjoy his adventures as a “tubby” (Pooh’s word, not mine!) character whose quips often testify to a more philosophical bent.

Moving on into the more human traits of complacency and commitment, we often wish to improve our health and appearance but remain in our comfort zones and routines. Just as our bodies naturally change as we age, it is necessary for us to make conscious changes both physically and mentally – even emotionally – to enjoy the prime health we wish to achieve.

Making the effort to break free from long established habits which undermine our peak physical objectives begins with the desire to do so. Our comfort zone is, after all, comfortable! Ask any serious athlete, from high school forward, and they will tell you that success in reaching your goals is, first of all, mental. From beginning a walking routine to running a marathon, the willpower, determination, and action required for success is internal. Once the internal commitment is made, your body will work in tandem to deliver results.

Tossing in another quote this week, Confucius reminds us that “it does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

This adage reminds us that the path we choose to obtain the results we wish is really up to us. If you are ready to embark on a program which should enable you to have more energy, longevity, and better cognition as you move forward in life, make a commitment with yourself first. Then make an appointment with your licensed health professional to seek information on any issues pertinent to beginning a program of activity. If you plan to join a fitness center, talk to the management and learn what professional certifications are held by their trainers. If you plan to begin a program on your own, there are professionally certified personal trainers who can get you started. Once again, do your research to determine the level of experience and designations a candidate may offer. Ask for references.

Another important aspect of your new program is to do what you enjoy – or to experiment and find an activity you will enjoy on a regular basis. Obviously the human condition determines what will eventually bring you success. If you enjoy swimming, that will keep you more interested than a cycling class, for instance.

Keep in mind that optimum conditioning is like what I call the “three-legged stool.” In order for the stool (your body) to do its work properly, you need aerobic conditioning (first leg), strength training (second leg), and flexibility (third leg), which are all useless without the seat (nutrition).

Again, if any of this feels overwhelming, please consider working with a certified trainer to help you find success in your target nutrition and fitness goals.

¹ Fryar CD, Carroll MD, Afful J. Prevalence of overweight, obesity, and severe obesity among adults aged 20 and over: United States, 1960-1962 through 2017-2018. NCHS Health E-Stats, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2020. Updated Feb. 8, 2021. Accessed Jan. 29, 2021. cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity-adult-17-18/obesity-adult.htm

Sharon McMahon, CNWC

The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.