I can remember watching Michael Mosely on the TV https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b09qjl7d/the-truth-about-getting-fit and how he debunked the WHOLE IDEA OF USING WILLPOWER TO GO TO THE GYM.

There is definitely a lot of truth in what he says as I have witnessed these facts myself with clients over and over again.

You see, willpower is very fragile as Michael Mosley says. It can easily be broken and cast to the side with any form of excuse. So Michael suggests ways to overrule Willpower and instead use desire, fun, teaming up or accountability with a trainer or exercise class.

So for example, if you like dancing, then dance. Don’t go to a gym as gyms are not capable of creating an expressive space the way dancing classes can. If you like the outdoors and being with people then arrange to walk with a friend or grab your golf clubs. If you do not like the outdoors then teaming up with a friend to exercise indoors will suit you a lot more. I guess the point I am trying to make is that our exercise choices should come with ease and flow. Try not to create additional or unnecessary resistance when choosing how you would like to look after your health.

There are many factors to consider when it comes to the whys and whats of exercise. For example, let us look at weight loss as one of the most obvious reasons why somebody would start an exercise regime. Our first thought would be I should join a gym and cut back on my naughty foods. It is not rocket science…. Fewer calories in and more calories out with exercise. But what if after a couple of weeks of going to the gym and eating healthier was all fueled from using the wrong willpower and because of this our determination and willpower become less powerful which ultimately sacrifices our goal of weight loss. Before you know it, a hard day at work throws us back into our old ways of bad eating and drinking a glass of wine to numb the bad day.

So what should you consider when trying to improve your lifestyle and health?

The feeling and experience after eating well . Forget goals and think about the positivity that runs through your mind and body after eating well and exercising. For example, EATING excessive amounts of BREAD and SUGAR cripples most peopleS DIGESTIVE SYSTEM especially if you are of a certain age 40s and over. This has a knock-on effect on how we function as wheat, gluten and sugar affect the brain and the endocrine system. We begin to feel

lethargic
bloated
irritated
loss of concentration
less motivated

So by simply changing your mindset away from weight loss and goals, switch it over to feeling more

uplifted
lighter
happier
positive

2.Exercise for the right reasons. If you have injuries, then forget weight loss and toning up. Prioritise your good feeling factor first. Injuries and pain carry heavy energy. The feeling of been weighed down not only in the body but in the mind too. It would be foolish to address weight loss as your main goal when you are suffering daily with pain. I have known many a runner or athlete when they continue to ignore their injuries purely because they have become focused on a goal (beat a PB time, or maintain a standard of fitness that they are attached to )

So the point I am making here is, think differently about your exercise.

Don’t just do 10,000 steps because that’s what your goal is. Instead, walk outside and enjoy it because outdoors is very beneficial to our health. Nature changes our mood, perspective, creates clarity and improves your respiratory system.
Learn something new. I have a client who is 60 and has taken up surfing. This has made him look at the tightness in his hips and thoracic spine and work on this so that he may pop up on a surfboard easier, Its a goal, but its a healthy happy feel-good goal .
Select a form of exercise that gives back to you. Everybody always says to me how much taller and lighter they feel after pilates. It is the feeling that keeps people motivated. Most people know that pilates and yoga must be practised at a moderate to high level several times a week for weight loss so to join a Pilates class to lose weight would be the wrong decision. Instead , you would join a Pilates class to strengthen up your core muscles in a safe environment and of course, feel lighter due to the postural changes in your body. If I was to add that, I would say Abs are made in the kitchen first by stripping down your excess fat around the stomach.

So I have mentioned a few alternatives to approaching your 2021 health regime, but what if there was something else that is hidden in your sub conscious body and mind that could help towards feeling healthier.

What if Michael Mosley forgot to mention a very important factor when it comes to willpower

Yep…that’s right. He Forgot to mention our personality types

Driver

Drivers are very strong personalities. Typically they have a go-get-it-done or whatever-it-takes personality. They can seem very dominant and are quick to take action. The negative is they can sometimes come across as stubborn or arrogant. Sometimes the personality type can come across as brash, running over others in order to get things accomplished.

Exercise Type -Exercise Goals suit you and this can help a lot with your motivation …However, Your body and nervous system may be on the tight side. Learn to balance this out with stretching but focus on your breath as the breath will allow you to become calmer. Try to slow down your movements with Somatics, Pilates and stretching.

Recommended workout :

Calming down your nervous system .You will probably resist such a suggestion if you are a true type A driver.

Analytical

Analytical types are constantly assessing, determining pros and cons, making lists of to do items. Analytical types are constantly asking questions, almost to the point of getting too much information. Others see them as talented with brilliant ideas. However, they can suffer from analysis paralysis, over analyzing situations too much. If you have ever made a list of “doing things the right way” you are an Analytical.

Exercise Type - You excel in exercise that has a meaningful purpose. For example, you have an injury that you would like to correct. ( I can fall into this bracket as well as the above bracket ) Be mindful that you do not over analyse to much which delays you from making a start. Suggestions - ask what is it I want to achieve first. First being the key word. Then just start. Try not to delay by thinking about what follows next.

Recommended Workout :

Expressive

“Natural” people persons. They enjoy socializing and talking. They are great story tellers and often overcommit themselves by attempting to please people. They also are good at communicating vision, getting others excited about ideas and issues. However, they sometimes cannot be relied upon to get things done.

Exercise Type- You are very good at adapting into most exercise classes as long as you are enjoying it with others. Be mindful to always remind yourself that this time you are taking out for yourself to exercise is important. If you are coming along to a Pilates between classes that reflect your state of mind on that day if possible. For example the online platform moovness has many different types of classes to choose from that would help you get the most from your workout. For example, if you feel chaotic or rushed then a grounding workout like this would suit you :

Recommended Workout :

Amiable

The calmest, flat-type personality. Amiable types are laid back and are hard to excite. They seem to constantly be relaxed and desire a peaceful environment over anything else. They will go out of their way not to upset people. In fact, their indifference can often upset the people they are trying to appease. They will often wait until the last minute to make decisions and will often go with what everyone else is doing. They can be deeply emotional individuals that want harmony.

Exercise Type- referring to the laid back type of this reference. Your exercise type is to be uplifted during the workout and feel more energized afterward. The only downside is you may even struggle to motivate yourself to even do the exercise. Your best plan of action is to be accountable with someone or sign up to an online class so that you cant cancel or just simply chill out instead. I would recommend a zoom class during this current time or a workout that thinks for you like this one :

Find that energy and boost your endorphins.

So there you have it. A 21st-century approach to exercise. Work with your mind and not against it 2021 by selecting workouts that rebalance you. This will have a lasting effect on the mind and body, making it easier to roll out that mat or dance your way around a hall.

The 21st Century approach to willpower , goal setting and how to maintain your Health in 2021