We know that sitting around all day is bad for you. Not just for your posture but even for your overall health. You know that and many research have shown it as well. In 2011, studies found that more than 76 percent of adults in Hawaiʻi did not meet the recommended standards for physical activity. In fact, more than 75 percent of Hawai‘i high school students along with 80 percent of middle school students did meet the physical activity requirements.
When it comes to obesity? 20 percent of Hawaiʻi was considered obese while Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders had the highest obesity rate of 41 percent.
This is a problem. And I’m sorry, making a bike lane going down King Street in Honolulu isn’t going to do anything for it. No is building an urban living area that promotes healthy active lifestyle by making places in walking convenience offering healthy options going to cut it either because the people who need the most help can’t even afford to live in the so called “affordable” living spaces.
Just because something is there doesn’t mean it will be used effectively. If you want it to be used you must change the mindset of the people who you want to use this so-called “solution” (and I can’t stand air quotes) by educating them and give them a reason/purpose that they can relate to.
Let’s Get Real
I’m not one to beat around the bush nor sugar coat things when it comes to making mental shifts in life. Everyone talks about the importance of being healthy and living fit. Programs talk about how it will decrease the obesity rate, lower blood pressure, decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and then some.
Yes. Yes. Yes.
But let’s get real.
If you don’t get your ass off the coach and start living a healthy and active life, YOU WILL DIE.
How many of you had a loved one pass away way before they should have because they didn’t take care of their health? I know I’m not the only one.
In order to make a difference in your life, you must be willing to change. This makes me think of of one of my favorite quotes:
“Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound.” – James Allen
I believe we all want to make changes in our lives for the better. Not just for us but also for our family and community but many lack the support, perseverance, patience, and dedication to hard work. Itʻs a long journey that only gets harder when done alone.
That is one of the big reasons why I do what I do – help people build a Ku body and live Ku.
CONCEPTS TO GET OFF THE COUCH
Create a Reminder: My reminder is on my phone’s wallpaper since I know I’ll be looking at it. I’ve placed reminders in the bathroom and even on my fridge. At one point I even got rid of my cable.
Find Accountability: If you have nothing to hold yourself accountable, then it’s easy to talk yourself out of doing anything. One big reason why people choose to train with me, is because they not only want to get strong, fit, and improve their overall performance but they also want to be accountable. Join a fitness group or fitness page to stay motivated. Find an exercise partner. Look for ways to hold yourself accountable.
Have a Purpose: One of my purposes to stay committed to health and fitness is my son. I want to be around to watch him grow up and set a positive example for him. My family has a history of heart problems, diabetes, cancers, and the list goes on. Basically, I don’t want to die before my time is up. I want to live a long healthy and happy life with my loved ones.
Support: Surround yourself with positive and supportive people. If you are surrounded by those who are not willing to make a positive change in their lives to be healthier and criticize you for doing so, you will get no where. You might have to cut the fat and let them go. Audit the people you hang out with and start surrounding yourself with strength.
Patience: I cannot stress this enough. Patience is essential. There are no shortcuts. However long you’ve been at your current state will take you just as long to get out of it. You have to be patient which is why you need to the factors I mentioned above.
There aren’t much conversations happening around this matter and I hope this can be a start.
Mahalo.
