A New Twist on Fitness Challenges

One of my fondest memories was spending Christmas with two friends in Sarasota, Florida.

Especially laying on the white sand beach (where the sand is literally the consistency of flour) with a ‘snowman’ made of sand next to us. It was a wild experience.

(And a bit more enjoyable than being in Iowa during that time of year)

Anyway, I was reminded of this “tropical paradise” because Sarasota is hosting a Beat the Heat Fitness Race.

Instead of your run-of-the-mill 5k or ‘Fun Run’ it’s a series of exercises (such as rowing machine, pushups, bodyweight exercises, etc.). In fact, there’s no running at all.

Willie Thomas, one of the trainers of the program shared with Sarasota Magazine:

“Functional movements like these repeated over time will help you meet the goals you want to reach.”

This is a great concept because many people set their sights on slogging through long runs or training for a marathon when they decide to get in shape. And this is not always an ideal route to go.
Some people thrive with running, while others (due to past injuries or movement dysfunction) struggle with it and end up hurting themselves in the process.

That’s where fitness challenges like this can be a great fit — since it’s not nearly as repetitive on the joints and it challenges the body in many different ways.

Something else from Thomas:

“In sports, there’s always something to improve upon. There is never really a finish line.”

​This brings up a very important point.

And it’s one difference between those who create long-term results from those who just get short-term results and then sputter out their routine (until the next New Year’s Resolution… birthday with a ‘zero’… or ‘eye-opening’ doctor’s visit.)

In fact, it’s a slight shift in psychology and focus.

See the people who play the ‘short-term’ game see fitness as a destination. They tend to see it as once they hit their goals — they are good to go (and then they can be “happy”). There are quite a few problems with this, one being it doesn’t integrate into a new lifestyle and the other being psychologically it’s not very motivating if you aren’t growing and expanding to new levels (whatever that means for you).

The ones play the ‘long game’, who create lasting transformation realize that there is ‘never really a finish line’. There is always a new mountain to climb. A new journey to embark on. Not because they have to but because they want to.

They want to expand and see what they can accomplish and more importantly, who they can become in the process.

Kelan Ern

For a unique methodology of mindset, nutrition and exercise to help you play the ‘long game’ of fitness and lasting transformation, check out a free issue of my monthly ‘coaching session’ Mind-Body Breakthroughs.