staying young

Springing Into Spring

I is spring; and for many of us, it's a
time to come out of hibernation and
recommit to the goals we set this
past new year. And for some of you that
are walking around in a brand new body
because of the hard work and commit-
ment to health you've made, you are feel-
ing fabulous! Whatever the case, let's talk
about setting some new goals and literally
springing into action.' ,
A few weeks ago, I was talking with a
friend who doesn't share my passion for
fitness. She asked, "How do you actually get
up each day and look forward to exercising?"
My response was plain and simple: To
me, it's a part of my life, just like brushing
my teeth and showering. It has become a
habit and part of a routine.
I also told her that, sometimes, the best
part of my workout is when it is over. But
most of the time, knowing that I get to
wake up tomorrow and do it again truly

"

feels like a gift. The end result and benefit
of well-being are the same.
Setting goals is a great way to get moti-
vated. I will almost guarantee that if you
follow these easy steps, you are
sure to experience success:
• Set a goal that is realistic,
reasonable and achievable.
• Make sure you share your
goal with people you trust.
Simply by stating it out loud
makes you accountable.
• Find a buddy interested in
attaining a similar goal. By hav-
ing companionship, you have not
only made yourself accountable,
but responsible showing up.
• Set a scheduled time for
exercise. It is an easy thing to
put off to later in the day. We all
lead very busy lives.
• Make sure you reward yourself when

you have reached your goal. Naturally, you
will have the benefit of a healthier body,
but do something extra special such as a
massage or a new outfit.
Recently, I was watching the
highlights of Ironman Hawaii
2007. For the first time, a dou-
ble below-the-knee amputee
completed this grueling race: a
2.5-mile swim, 112 miles on a
bike and a full 26.2-mile mara-
thon run. I figure if this man
can do it with strong goals and
commitment, so can I.
So there, I now announced
my goal to you. Now I, too,
will be accountable. Labor Day
weekend 2008: I will be an
Ironman finisher also. And one
thing that I know: If I can set a
goal and work toward it, so can you!
Fitness goals are different for all of

us. Let this be the year that you step out
of your comfort zone and onto the edge
of the cliff, but not over! Maybe learn to
swim or ride a bicycle. Maybe train for
a mini-triathlon or a 5k run. Maybe it's
just committing to taking a daily walk.
Anything that challenges you and gets
your body in motion is perfect!
Not every day is going to be easy keep-
ing your commitment. I promise you one
thing: Your body, your mind and your
health are all guaranteed to improve.
It's really not about being an Ironman.
It's about making a commitment and hav-
ing an "iron will." Truly, it's all mental, as
one of my mentors has taught me. Stay fit
and never quit! ❑

Jill Sherman-Marx of Farmington Hills trains
at the West Bloomfield JCC, the Sports Club of

West Bloomfield and other locations. Contact

her at (248) 819-4622 or Ainjill@aol.com.

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March 27 • 2008