The most exciting part about the fitness match is that anyone and everybody can participate in it. You can be of any age, belong to any sex, be endowed with any kind of build… Nobody can discriminate against you, nobody can stop you – except yourself – from entering this wonderful, fulfilling lifestyle. And however much or little you do, you stand to gain. Even if you are a cardiac or hypertensive patient, a diabetic or a myopic, you can be given a special entry pass – certified by your doctor. The medical go-ahead is important because if you are or have been unwell, you need to recuperate before putting your body through the mildest of exercises. The fitness lifestyle is matchless because you do not have to compete with anybody. You are and will remain Number one.

In the initial stage, sometimes you may not feel up to it. You may feel you have taken on an uphill task. But remember, even in a cricket team, a player is not always assured of his place in the side. Does that stop him from playing? Not on your life! He plays on, mustering up all his enthusiasm, his experience, always attempting to strengthen his weak spots. You don’t have to worry about being chosen because the selector is you. Obviously, you can’t let yourself down! So, if you find your enthusiasm flagging, your motivation sinking, rev it up! Think enthusiastic thoughts. Think of the wonderful feelings that will assail you after a vigorous workout. Think how much more effective, how much more productive you will become with fitness by your side. Think how blessed you are to be able to stretch your limbs and move them freely . Think of it as an enjoyable past-time. You will be surprised how swiftly this thinking pattern becomes a habit. How, easy it is to change into your tracksuit. How you long to put down the phone and get on with your workout!

If you are stuck to your seat by inertia, break it by getting up. Pace up and down. Take a shower. As the fresh, life – giving water cascades on you, visualise it as a gush of fitness drenching your skin and getting into your pores. Visualise the great, powerful, positive changes that are yours to splash and revel in. Soap and towel yourself vigorously – it gets your circulation – going. Read the rest of this entry »