"There’s a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re  interested in doing something, you do it only when it’s convenient. When you’recommitted to something, you accept no excuses; only results.”

I came across this quote on SparkPeople.com and the truth behind the words and how it applies to everything we do in our lives really struckme. But for this article, I want to “analyze” how it relates to fitness.

After being in the business for over 15 years, I’ve seen those that are committed to making a change in their fitness and wellness and those who have simply shown interest. Now I have to give credit to those that have shown interest…they do take the first step. They typically make a personal training appointment, say they are going to start Weight Watchers or follow a new healthy eating plan, attend a group exercise class - and their intentions are good. Some of those who are “interested” in fitness and wellness actually come to the gym several times a week even – but the lack of effort keeps them from reaching their potential.

However, just as in school, you may pay the tuition and show up for class, but that doesn’t give you the “A”! Those that are “interested” talk about wanting change, but have an excuse waiting that keeps them from seeing the results they are seeking. You’ve either heard them before or used the excuse yourself – “I had to go out of town”, “but it is the holidays”, “the weather is just so awful”, “but I don’t like the treadmill”, “I have bad knees”, “I don’t have time to cook healthy”, “I don’t’ like to sweat”, “I work to much to fit it in” (this is just a few of the MANY!).

So what is it that separates the “Committed” from the “Interested”? There are books written on this, but here are a few things that get people to transition into commitment:
1. Letting go of the fear. You can do it – it’s the voice inside your head that tells you can’t or that you don’t know how. If it’s not knowing how, you can count a fitness professional (like me!) to help you learn. Becoming committed means pushing past your comfort zone…. trusting in your ability.

2. “Just Do It’, “Yes I Can”, “Be all that I can Be” – just a few phrases that the “committed” use while on their journey for results. Focusing on the positive, not the negative.

3. Realistic Goal Setting. Results are possible when you have a plan and an approach to achieve the goals that you have set.

4. Those that are committed may have had a life altering change – a diagnosis from their doctor, a family or friend health crisis or simply a wake up call that they could no longer ignore or “hit snooze”.
The desire for change is greater than the excuse.

5. Scheduled. Those that are committed to fitness schedule it into their day. They do it while traveling, during the holidays, before, during or after work.

6. Those that are committed to healthy eating educate themselves and put what they learn to practice. The choices don’t have to be complicated and you don’t have to cook! The information out there is free and in abundance – and very simple.

Commitment to fitness and wellness doesn’t have to be hard. What you will find is joy and fulfillment in a healthier body, mind and spirit. It’s your own personal health care reform. Stop wanting results –  start achieving them. The resources and tools are available to you. No excuses. YES YOU CAN!