Workout and Get in Shape...Without Working Out?

Workout and Get in Shape...Without Working Out?

I know, I know. How can you workout and get in shape without actually working out? The answer will stupefy almost all fitness non-believers and those who are down-trodden by workout instructors. Don't get me wrong; keep your treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical trainers, and some of those miracle machines you bought off of infomercials. Continue to diet and eat healthy and maintain your daily regimens. The secret to getting in shape and "staying" in shape involves no workout at all. With that said, let's get down to business!
First of all, how many of you all out there want to look like a supermodel, be as a buff as a football player, or have a toned body with sexual-radiance emanating off every limb? Hmm...let me guess, almost all of you. There's nothing wrong with having those desires. It's funny really. The same supermodels, football players, and beautifully-toned people all had the same idea before they actually became those people. You have achieved the "first level of gratification"...you now have agoal.
Be careful with your goals though. Just make sure they are reasonable. There are some of you out there that are obese and very serious about losing that extra weight. This is for you. Even better, this is for everyone.
Every time somebody stares at you, at the gym or work or school, they are comparing themselves to you. This is true in some fashion or the other. You can attest that you are even guilty of that. When you notice them looking at you, you're most likely thinking about why they are staring. That's when all sorts of things start popping up in your head. I'm here to tell you the "why" doesn't matter. No matter what they are thinking, what is important is what "you" are thinking. I need to stress that this is about you. You. You. You. Why you are exercising or dieting is your business. Make sure when you are about to lose that weight or become that person you see behind the mirror, that you do it for yourself. You have to believe in yourself and not care about what anyone thinks of you before or after. Once you recognize this, you have achieved the "second level of gratification"...confidence.
Don't get confidence mixed up with egotism or arrogance. Still listen to others and accept helpful advice. Now take my advice. Wiggle your toes. Good. Now, move your arms up and inhale. Now, slowly bring your arms down and exhale. Good. Now I am going to ask you a question. "Can you run 5 miles with no rest?" Answer truthfully please. If you can, good. If you can't...good. Know what you can do and what you can't. This will be the turning point of your fitness life. If what you're doing is incredibly hard and you are losing enjoyment in the routine, do less of it. And I mean less. You want to get to a point where you are enjoying what you are doing. For those of you who are wondering, there "will" come a time when you will enjoy challenging yourself. For now, know what you "can" do. If you can understand this concept, you have reached the "third level of gratification"...control.
You are doing great everyone. Now comes the hard part...I'm just playing. This is actually the easiest part of getting in shape. It is so easy that you won't even have to think when you do it. The next time you are thinking twice about going for a nice walk or not eating that last donut, don't think. Most people have made up their minds on what they want to do but have to convince themselves to do it. You want to get in shape but have to think about it first. If you are thinking about getting on a treadmill to run a mile and you don't have anything standing in your way, do it. Don't think about it, do it. Even if you don't make it that whole mile, you are still getting in shape. Most people that aren't in shape didn't get on the treadmill in the first place. This is crucial! You have to "try" things. And remember you are doing this for "you". Once you understand this need, you have attained the "fourth level of gratification"...effort.
Sadly, just trying is not enough. There is one last level you need to reach. Now everyone, I want you all to clap your hands. Do this for 10 seconds. Now stop. Do it again for 10 more seconds. Now stop. Do it one more time for 10 seconds. Now stop. Now, I want you all to do this everyday for the rest of your lives. Sounds hard. Not really. If this exercise would get you in that shape you wanted for only 30 seconds of your day, would you do it for the rest of your life? I know I would, and gladly. You have to understand, getting in shape is not hard; staying in shape is the dilemma. The secret for the supermodel, football player, and incredibly toned person is the last level for you all. They know the secret. I know the secret. Now you will too. The "fifth and final level of gratification" is...persistence.
For every person out there who doesn't believe in themselves, I believe in you. But this is not enough. You will have to believe in yourselves. Stop worrying about what other people think and think about what you want. If you have to cry, then cry. But don't give up on yourselves. The supermodel, football player, and sexy-toned statue had to work for what they have everyday of their lives (in some way or another). I want you to be that person who tried and didn't quit till they got what they wanted. And you won't have to do a single workout (wink).
Here are some workouts that men and women can do that require no equipment. Note: These workouts are the best for each "individual" because you require no assistance of any kind and benefit from the relaxed isolation.
Men:
1st : normal warm-up stretching (light)
2nd: one set of 20 push-ups
3rd: one set of 20 sit-ups
4th: one set of 20 crunches
5th: one set of 20 calve raises (standing facing a wall)
6th: cool down stretching (extensive)
*Increase reps/sets daily according to progress and rest on weekends. Don't give up and remember to drink lots of water.
Women:
1st: normal warm-up stretching (light)
2nd: one set of 20 jumping jacks
3rd: one set of 20 sit-ups
4th: one set of 20 crunches
5th: one set of 20 calve raises (standing facing a wall)
6th: cool down stretching (extensive)
*Increase reps/sets daily according to progress and rest on weekends. Don't give up and remember to drink lots of water.

1. I believe in you.