Posted on September 24, 2013 by Jenny Cromack

There’s someone out there; whether it’s family, friend, school teacher, club coach, class instructor, famous sportsman or sportswoman, or even a celebratory, which got you into doing the exercise that you do – correction – that you love!

I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently – about who and what gets people exercising? Someone, somewhere, this ‘Fitness Inspiration’, has given you the confidence or motivation to exercise and isn’t it interesting to think back at who and when that might have been? Just in the same way most of us can remember our favourite school teacher, I’m sure we can remember who got us involved in our exercise passions – and why?

So here it is, and brace yourself as I say this with a big grin across my face…….It was Cher who did it for me! The funny thing is, as soon as I thought about this the other day; I instantly wanted to buy the DVDs-and do them! And then I saw the front covers and it all came flooding back to me (with a mixture of nostalgia and embarrassment). I should stress here, that it wasn’t Cher and her ridiculous costumes that got me hooked.  It wasn’t even the “motivating” titles of the VHS’s that my friend Helen and I owned: “A New Attitude” or “Body Confidence”.  This was my first experience of Group Exercise – Helen and I in the room, Cher as a participant with her buddies and instructor on the TV with us; my first experience of Step, Aerobics and Resistance Bands – and I LOVED it! I gained the confidence to take part in Aerobics classes at the local leisure centre, re- picked up Step at University and the rest as they say is history.

So why does this make Cher my Fitness Inspiration? Well think of yours, and see if this sums up them up:

• They prove it’s doable – let’s face it, not all exercise is! Complicated choreography, problems regulating breathing, not being able to keep up with other people – just some elements that can put you off. It’s about how they break it down into blocks or workouts that you can follow. Helping to find that something you can do and having the right people to help you do it.
• Sense of Achievement – completing a workout, a race, a match or a routine can give you a massive rush. It’s about challenging yourself mentally and physically, that feel good feeling when you accomplish what you set out to do and the recognition of a job well done.
• Progression – it’s natural, and not about being advanced too hard too soon. Your Fitness Inspiration knows just how much and when to push. Their workout or training  keeps you just within your comfort zone, but enough to ensure you progress towards your goals.
• Encouragement & Support – Your Inspiration isn’t perfect, they make mistakes too, and they’re human. But above all they provide reassurance and motivation. Their stories, achievements and actions keep you going.
• Their Spark – it’s about someone providing that stimulation, enthusiasm and energy.

So don’t be shy, tell us who was your Fitness Inspiration and why!

Kate Halsall

http://www.m8north.co.uk/personal-training-taking-the-first-daunting-step-to-achieving-your-goals/

http://www.m8north.co.uk/personal-training-taking-the-first-daunting-steps-to-improving-your-health/