Why People Fail at Exercise: 6. Taking shortcuts will lead to failure
Fad diets and promises of exercising only a few minutes a day and you'll look like a supermodel are shortcuts that lead to failure. Realize that nothing of great significance is achieved without hard work. When talking about exercise, there is nothing truer than this. I get so frustrated when I see these hard-bodied models being spokespeople for exercise equipment they don't even use. The manufacturer leads you to believe that you can look like them by exercising on their equipment only a few minutes a day.
Dr. Cedric Bryant, Ph.D., chief exercise physiologist and vice president of educational services for the American Council on Exercise, says, "Infomercial claims are frequently overblown and some products are not very safe or effective." Furthermore, according to consumer reports, few if any infomercial products live up to their claim.
Or it's one of the hundreds of infomercials claiming their "diet pill" is the best. Who are these people trying to kid? Sure, you may see initial results and possibly lose some weight. But truthfully, are you going to stay on pills or an incredibly strict diet the rest of your life? No! How long can you really stand to eat grapefruits and water? There is no substitute for healthy nutritional choices that last a lifetime.
Part of the problem we face is that everybody is in a rush. We live in a "now" society. Nobody can wait. As a result people succumb to these "get in shape fast" propositions.
Taking shortcuts in your exercise program will never pay off. Beverly Sills was right when she said, "There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." You need to make time for your exercise program by making it a priority in your life.
In Chapter 6, "I Don't Have Time To Exercise," we'll look at just how much time you have available each day and how making exercise a priority in your life can benefit you. The chapter will conclude with six practical ways you can make room for exercise.
Finally, once you realize that succeeding with exercise isn't a series of shortcuts, but rather a lesson in perseverance, you'll be on your way to making exercise a part of your life. In the final chapter, "Persevere and Become Successful," we'll look at four ways to help you keep exercising and finish with how doing this will help you become successful in your life.
"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." ~ Beverly Sills
