Many people are led to believe that exercise is temporary.   

They want to get in shape for their wedding.  Their high school reunion is right around the corner.  They are training for a marathon.  They are going on a vacation.

It could be anything.  The point is, people use these occasions as an excuse to exercise.

They have the mentality of thinking that once this particular event in their life is over and that once they achieve their goals, the exercise stops and everything is back to where they started.

Some clients that train with my trainers do the same thing.  They purchase a package for 2 months, train their arse off and once the 2 months are over, think to themselves "Well, I lost 7 pounds... that was a good experience." 

Then a couple weeks later, they stop exercising, start making poor eating choices again and sure enough, the pounds are regained.

Why would someone want to waste a couple grand on valuable training?

Why wouldn't they use this information for the rest of their life?

Why don't they understand that fitness and health is NOT a temporary program?

Why? Why? Why?

I'll tell you why, because people are l-a-z-y. 

They see exercise as a 'temporary fix'.  Once the fix is fulfilled, everything is back to normal.  After people realize that working out requires them do to something, it's off to the latest trend or fad.  Saying things like "I would rather do THIS than exercise...it's easier."

Our society is programmed to be sedentary rather than to be active.  We are all about doing things that are most convenient.  God forbid, if we actually have to work.

So what's the solution?

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The solution is, we need to RE-program our minds and understand that being healthy and exercising is the MOST important thing we can do for our lives.

It's more important then our families, our jobs, our religion, our houses, cars...anything.

Think about it.

Without your health, you can't be with your family.  You can't do well at your job.  You can't practice your religion.  You can't buy nice homes or cars. 

You could have ALL the money in the world, but if you are in poor health, it's meaningless.

So the next time you start an exercise program or hire a personal trainer ask yourself these questions:

Why am I starting an exercise program by myself?

Why am I hiring a personal trainer?

If I reach my goals, why would I stop exercising and stop eating healthy?

What will happen if I stop exercising and stop eating healthy?

How much time will I have wasted if I am out of shape again?

Which will help me, being sedentary or active?

How hard is it for me to find time to exercise?

Am I ready to make exercise a lifestyle?

If you can answer these questions with a clear conscious you should be well on your way to a healthier you! 

Jim Coughlin is a personal trainer and the owner of Coughlin Fitness & Results, a nationwide personal training company. He is also the author of The In-Home Personal Trainer, a helpful guide to successful in-home personal training in addition to other products and many other popular fitness articles.

Jim is very passionate at motivating people to empower themselves to live a healthy lifestyle through consistent exercise and proper nutrition. He has free weekly success tips which you are welcome to subscribe to on his website http://www.fitnessandresults.com