5 Lies Keeping You from a Better Life - and how you can bust through them

As we roll into September we hit a natural reset button. Summer is ending, kids are back in school and we get a chance to take a breath and set new goals for ourselves.

This is especially true when it comes to health and fitness. Fall is the perfect time to make a commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

Yet some people can’t overcome obstacles that they actually set up for themselves. If you are someone who has good intentions about starting a fitness program but can’t seem to get the ball rolling you may be falling prey to 5 lies that are stopping you dead in your tracks.

Take a look and see if one – or all – apply to you and discover how you can blast through them to achieve the best life possible.

1. “I’ll Do It When I Have Time”

No you won't.

One of the oldest lies in the book. Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day and 168 hours in a week. 

Starting and staying on a new habit - training, eating, reading, creating something - isn’t really about time. It’s about priorities. You make time for other important things in your life. Taking care of yourself should be at the top of the list.

Despite what you might think, great fitness results don’t take hours a day to achieve. Training smarter – not harder – helps you make the most of your time. In as little as 3-5 hours a week you can see and measure fitness gains after just a few weeks of training.

In a recent PopSugar article, Michelle Bridges, Australian trainer and author of Total Body Transformation, explains why setting up a weekly program is so important for fitness success.

“"We're setting up habits and rituals," Michelle explains. “Think about the last time you had to psych yourself up to brush your teeth."

Creating a daily ritual will help you integrate fitness into your day and healthy results into your life.

2. “It’s Too Expensive” 

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states the facts plainly. “Chronic diseases and conditions—such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis—are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems.”

You may think that investing money in healthier foods and exercise programs is a waste but when you consider that lifestyle-caused diseases and conditions are affecting 117 million adults in this country, you might want to reassess how you spend your money.

Check out these numbers from the CDC:

• The total costs of heart disease and stroke in 2010 were estimated to be $315.4 billion. Of this amount, $193.4 billion was for direct medical costs, not including costs of nursing home care. 

• The total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes in 2012 was $245 billion, including $176 billion in direct medical costs and $69 billion in decreased productivity. 

• The total cost of arthritis and related conditions was about $128 billion in 2003. Of this amount, nearly $81 billion was for direct medical costs and $47 billion was for indirect costs associated with lost earnings.

• Medical costs linked to obesity were estimated to be $147 billion in 2008. Annual medical costs for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those for people of normal weight in 2006.

Realizing that investing wisely in your health today may save you thousands of dollars in the future should be the nudge that changes your priorities.

3. “People Will Look At Me Funny If I Train With Them”

Nearly everyone who begins a fitness program feels intimidated. You may think that because your fitness level is less than other people they are judging you. You are not alone. A majority of exercisers think this way when joining others in workouts.

Running coach Jeff Gaudette shares in an article titled, “If You Run Slow, Who Cares?” that in his years of coaching, countless new runners told him the same thing:

 “Many runners, both new and experienced, hesitate to join local running groups or participate in online communities. When asked why, most respond that they are embarrassed by how slow they are.”

But Gaudette has words of encouragement for not just runners but anyone standing in their own way of success. “I’m here to tell you that … this negative, self-deprecating thinking is only holding you back from your true potential!”

4. “I’ll Do It On My Own”

Committing to a workout program, a new eating plan, or quitting a habit that is holding you back is an impressive goal. It requires dedication and discipline. It also requires that you push yourself each time to improve your fitness.

Many people may start a program but will falter because they have no one to hold them accountable. They also may be skimping on effort because they have no partner or coach to urge them to work toward their goals.

As somebody who may be in unfamiliar territory, the value of a coach is immeasurable. They can keep you motivated and encouraged. A coach along with fellow co-workers, friends or family will help you stay committed to your program.

5. “I Can’t Be Fixed”

This lie is one of the most destructive. It is actually the voice of fear taking away your potential. Remember that each time you train, you're training yourself to adapt to something new - which over time will build lean muscle, burn unwanted fat, and get you feeling better throughout your everyday life.  Each time you take a bite of real, earth grown food - your body is fighting off potentially harmful chemicals that could one day lead to cancer, diabetes, or heart disease if you continue putting sugary junk in your system consistently.

Your body has been programmed with ancient DNA to be as efficient as possible at any work it does. You are genetically programmed to save energy. Yet it is when you get out and move that you see amazing results. You not only become stronger, you improve your mood and boost your emotional health.

You can be fixed. It all starts with your next decision - watch TV or get out and move?  Go through the drive thru window or cook yourself a healthy meal? It all matters.

Taking control of your life means throwing these lies out and changing the words you hear in your head. Finding a coach and a program will help you change your perspective and keep you on a positive path.

Ready to start? Check out TFW - South Metro's Warrior Challenge, a comprehensive 8 week training program offering highly personalized training, nutrition and lifestyle coaching.