The Layperson’s Guide To Fitness: Vol. 5
Part 5: General Lifestyle (Misc.)
We’ve been through the mentality, the preparation, the execution, and the aftermath.
Now, it’s time for a few housekeeping items.
These are things that I couldn’t fit into other sections, but are still very important.
Don’t be a dick once you reach the mountain top
This one really grinds my gears.
Nothing disappoints me more than seeing someone, who started working out to live a healthier life, become a complete jackass once they reach their goal.
Let’s just put it on the table: self-esteem (or lack thereof) is what brings a lot of people to star exercising. People want to look good, feel good, and boost their overall self-confidence.
Now, my question is: at what point do certain people completely forget this and think it is okay to walk around like they’re hot shit while demeaning others who might be less fit?
I used to work at the gym on my college campus (UCSB), and some of my coworkers were the biggest culprits of this. They’d sit back and snicker at some of the patrons who were working out, as if it was some sort of comedy show.
My response to stuff like that is usually “at least they’re here”, which I really think that everyone should keep in mind. Even if a person is doing a low weight, lifting with bad form, or just using the equipment incorrectly, they still deserve credit for the fact that they dragged themselves out of bed and got to the gym at all.
There’s no need to demean anyone for not knowing any better.
Let me make this clear: your fitness does not make you better than anyone else.
The only thing you accomplish by elevating yourself over others because of how much they lift or how they look is revealing your own deep-seeded self-esteem issues…which exercising clearly didn’t help.
If you want to praise yourself about how far you’ve come and how committed you’ve been, then that’s fine. I love seeing stuff like that on Instagram and Snapchat. That’s doing it the right way.
But when you start making fun of someone because they’re just starting, weaker than you are, or they don’t work out at all, you’re not being funny. You’re actually being a bully—one that gives the rest of us a bad name.
See someone using bad form? Offer advice.
Notice a person struggling with low weight? Spot him/her.
See someone slowing down on their run? Smile in their direction as a form of encouragement.
Be part of the solution, not the problem.
And remember that there’ll always be someone out there who’s stronger, faster, and fitter than you.
Like me.
Just kidding.
Sort of.
⊕Fitness Myth #5: Carbs are the Devil
Carbs are not the Devil–I am. But seriously, this is wrong if you want to be exercising regularly.
Carbohydrates are what your body primarily converts into energy.
You know, the same energy that you need to exercise and whatnot.
If you avoid them altogether, then you’ll feel like dog shit all the time and your body will likely start eating muscle to get energy.
I like to stick to complex carbs like whole grains after exercising to replenish properly. You should think about doing the same. Whole grains are also high in fiber, so if anything they’ll help you lose weight because you’ll feel full.
Have fun!
Yeah, this might be a bit anticlimactic for a guide as extensive as this one, but this might be the most genuine advice that I can give you.
None of the things that I’ve outlined above matter if you’re going to be completely miserable while doing them.
Granted, there will always be days when you don’t feel like exercising. It happens to everyone—especially when just starting out.
But if you’re 4 weeks into a new program and you hate your life before, during, and after exercising, then it might be a good idea to explore some alternatives.
I don’t incorporate hill runs or power cleans into my workouts just because they’re beneficial (which they REALLY are), but I do them because I genuinely enjoy doing so.
But that’s just me: I love lifting weights, and I love running. I look forward to days that include either. That doesn’t mean that everyone else has to.
If you don’t like squats, don’t do squats.
If you hate deadlifts (like I do), then try to find an alternative.
If you love staring in a mirror and doing tricep pushdowns, then include them in your workouts…just try not to make a funny face in the mirror.
You don’t even have to step into a gym at all if you don’t want to. You could join a recreational sports league, try one of those fun classes like Zumba, do Yoga, swim, play volleyball, rob banks, run from the police, dodge traffic, run through the 6 with your woes, or any of the other awesome things that are available.
I have a friend who has just taken up Pole (Dancing?). She’s found a fun way to stay in shape that works for her, and looks great doing it.
…I suppose she could also turn into a profession too, if she wanted.
I have another friend who does Muay Thai. She can literally kick my ass, and it’s awesome.
There’s also this guy who I always see at this popular staircase in San Jose (Communications Hill) who walks up the stairs while spinning in circles. I’m not even kidding—I don’t know how he doesn’t get dizzy. It’s strange, but if that’s what gets him active, then I can’t be much of a critic.
If it makes you happy, gives you a confidence boost, and gives you a (safe and reasonable) workout, then you should stick to it.
Unless it’s CrossFit. That’s just stupid.
Finished!
And there you have it!
A complete guide of nearly everything that I could ever say about exercising…for what it’s worth.
22 pages, over 7,000 words, and over 6 hours of writing have all built up into something that I can confidently pass on to others in hopes that it’ll be of some help.
This is the longest non-fiction piece that I’ve ever put together, and if you’ve stayed with me from Part 1 until now—I sincerely thank you.
I really wanted to put something together that will actually help some people on their way to fitness.
After all, getting regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your overall long-term health, and I just want to help make sure that you’re spending your time wisely while gaining some legitimate health benefits.
But I’ve talked enough now—go out there and conquer!
….Unless you’re doing CrossFit.
Seriously—don’t do it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N58TYv7Vt3A
Dedicated to the following:
Michael Roland, Uncle Robert, Carole Sangco, and Otis Madison. You will all be forever in my heart. I do this for you.
Written by Oscar Shayne Pearson.
Sources:
Ramsey Nijem, http://ramseynijemfitness.com/
Machines Vs. Free weights: Which is better?, http://www.builtlean.com/2013/06/11/free-weights-vs-machines/
Foam Rolling: Total Body Fitness, http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/workout-tips/foam-rolling-total-body-benefits
