Thinking about getting active? If yes, good for you!
Because with today’s hectic lifestyle, your health is often the most neglected aspect of your life that you have direct control over.
Many people looking to stay healthy tend to sign up for new fitness plans, memberships and activities at the start of the new year, charged with a renewed outlook and inspiration. But sometimes, the scene you may encounter once you start working out might do more harm than good…
It’s important to take into consideration that a healthy body starts from developing a healthy MINDSET. In order for you to achieve your goals, ask yourself:
“Am I in the most encouraging environment to help me succeed?”
Gyms, dance and fitness clubs cater to all sorts of people- thick, thin, big, small… And each person also shares their own unique set of attitudes. In fact, if other attendees are not encouraged to think positively, their bad energy can rub you the wrong way and bring you down.
So before you sign up for any new fitness activity, find out if you’ll be surrounding yourself with energizing and motivating people. Here’s how…
Three Important Questions Everyone Must Ask Before Signing Up For A Fitness Program:
- Will you feel comfortable during your first few weeks, knowing you have an encouraging coach or trainer?
- Are the attendees and staff supportive through your transition?
- Will you receive positive coaching and reassurance throughout your fitness journey?
If you’re in a negative environment- one where coaches don’t seem concerned about your personal progress, or you feel criticizing, judgemental eyes watching your every move- then you’ll be in for a long, disappointing ride.
Subconsciously, nothing is worse than the constant feeling of people judging you, not being encouraged, or feeling unwelcoming energy every time you return. But there is good news…
In a positive environment, you’ll feel energized and confident. With supportive friends, trainers and coaches in your corner, you’ll look forward to the journey fitness can bring. You’ll feel much more optimistic about progress, and be proud of your accomplishments.
In reality, your mindset is the catalyst for positive change and growth. That’s why it’s important that you find a healthy environment that makes you feel better, not worse.
When your body AND mind are in a positive, encouraging environment, you will rise to new challenges and overcome obstacles. You’ll return to your fitness activity week after week, knowing that you’re going to leave each workout feeling better, enlightened, and ready to reap the benefits of your hard work.
Find an environment that inspires you today!
About The Author:
Shawn Byfield (http://www.ShawnByfield.com) is an award winning choreographer, show director and a leading expert in dance lessons and industry advice. His extremely fun approach to learning is a must for anyone looking to achieve their highest potential through dance.
Shawn Byfield - Certified Public Speaker, Dance Coach & Choreographer 
I think fitness plans/memberships generally get ppl motivated to start exercising.. initially that is. Unless the person has a firm goal, truly enjoys their workout environment, or finds their hard work rewarding, I don’t think they’ll be able to make regular exercising a habit. That being said, I think one of the best ways to start and continue to exercise is to find a medium one enjoys and is supported in. Positive feedback from instructors, exercise buddies and family I think are all important. Most of all, I think one shouldn’t be too hard on themselves if they fail to meet their own expectations from time to time (ie. missing a workout, not excelling in their dance class) or else they’ll discourage themselves to continue. Learn from your mistakes, brush off negative thoughts and start again fresh. I think this type of mindset is important too.
Sincere and helpful article Shawn : ]
good…
good article…
In my dance training I have encountered both positive and negative teachers. It is really heart breaking to think people might quit an activiy they love because the teacher is negative. I thought that I hated Ballet after finishing York U’s dance program and I didn’t take a ballet class for four yrs. Now I am working with awsomely positive teachers and am lovng every second of it( ;
In my opinion a positive teacher is key but it can’t stop there, yout own attitude must remain positive at all time. It’s a challenge, but try to stop all negative sel talk and you will be amazed at what you can accomplish( ;
Great article shawn, your an inspiration! I miss your classes too.
I think if you’re going to get a gym membership, it is REALLY helpful if you can also afford to get a personal trainer. They are good at motivating you, and pushing you further than you would on your own.
A personal trainer gets to know your specific strengths and weaknesses, and works to help you specifically!
On the other hand, I find that doing group classes are really good to get motivated. Especially classes like yours, Shawn, or Eva’s where they create a family atmosphere, it makes you want to come back for more!
People need to realize that there is more than one way to lose weight, and in my opinion you need to do a little bit of everything, personal training, some time at the gym, group classes, even something striptease aerobics which is a sexy fun way to lose weight!!!
Thanks for the feedback Ashley. It’s true- there’s a world of possibilities out there in terms of activity. Find what you love, and enjoy!
– SB
Great article Shawn!
I think that people can fall into the trap of “I need to have a gym membership in order to exercise”. Just having a gym membership does nothing if you don’t use it! I think sometimes people think that you have to be a slave to the gym in order to be physically fit, but that is not the case at all. People need to find what works for them – maybe it is the gym for some people – but if it’s not there’s dance classes, outdoor activities, recreational sports, marital arts, swimming – the list is endless!!
And I absolutely agree that a positive environment makes a world of difference!