Dr. Richard Norris wants you to know that being a man is about being able and willing to look after yourself. It isn’t about being buff, ripped or macho.
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The greatest gift we have is the gift of life. We understand that. That comes from our Creator. We’re given a body. Now you may not like it, but you can maximize that body the best it can be maximized.-Mike Ditka
Being a man is about being able and willing to look after yourself. It isn’t about being buff, ripped or macho. For some reason some men are misled. They get hung up comparing themselves to others. Some quit before they start. They struggle with inadequacy. Still other men blaze their own trail and are comfortable in their own skin. On a physical basis, one thing is for sure, all men need to take care of themselves.
Every one of us has a level of fitness. Some good. Some bad. Some elite. Each of us do look after ourselves. It’s just a question if it is enough or in the right way? Whatever your state of fitness, it is what it is. It’s an indicator of your self-leadership. Whether you exercise or not, it doesn’t have to stay as it is. You have the power to change. It’s your choice to look after yourself. The key is to find the type and level of exercise that’s right for you. It could be walking. We live in the country so I go for a walk every day. It’s good gentle exercise and very affordable. It could be playing pick-up ball with some friends once or twice per week. It could be playing golf 2-3 times per week. Or to could be dead serious – Crossfit or endurance training with a coach. There are so many options.
No matter where we are on the scale, it’s good that we ask ourselves this question:
How am I looking after myself?
Whatever your answer, you then need to ask if it is enough. For me, I always want more. I still have some big fitness goals – like doing the Ironman. Depending on what you want, will determine what “enough” is.
Having a Role Model Helps
As with anything you want to be or improve at, you need good role models. Perhaps that’s even more important today with the global trend of increasing obesity. Sure we can watch Usain Bolt or Tim Tebow and say we want to be just like them. But, sometimes that’s just unrealistic. From where they are to where you are is likely too big a gap. For many, that gap is self-defeating. What is needed is good healthy role models closer to home – a personal trainer, a big brother, a friend etc. Right now my role model close to home is actually Shaun T of Beachbody. He and I are best buddies 6 days per week. He keeps me on track with my current fitness goals.
I was blessed with a father who led by example. When he was in the army he was into pentathlons and boxing. After the army he got into rugby. He finally hung up his boots when he was 65! He also ran, swam, played golf and squash. His fitness was part of his routine. As a kid, I wanted to be like my dad. I loved to run with him. It didn’t matter that I soon was faster than him. I used to run ahead and back and so on. We played squash together. Fairly quickly, I was better than him. It wasn’t about who won or lost or who was better. It was the fact we were together, enjoying the exercise and the camaraderie. Whenever we trained or played together, we were always smiling and laughing. Good times.
Like my dad, I am also conscious of being a good example for our kids. When the kids wake up they see me in the midst of my workout. Often they join in – fun and, at times, mayhem! Just this morning my son, Jensen, who is 5, was asking me as he flexed his muscles, how did I get my muscles – did I get them through training? I said I did. I said I started when I was nine when I started competitive swimming. I practically lived in a pool for 23 years and then have kept up my fitness ever since. I gently reminded him of his grandfather’s adage, that I live by (and hope he will too) – A healthy body is a healthy mind.
The Power is Yours
No one can truly make you look after yourself. It’s up to you. Sure others can inspire you, but you must motivate yourself. I’m inspired by Rich Froning of Crossfit fame but he doesn’t get me up at early every morning. I do. The first thing we each must exercise is our power to choose.
Know Why
As getting started is often the hardest part – whether it’s the first time or the ten thousandth time – a solid reason is the catalyst. The doctor says you must; if you don’t you’re on heart attack highway. Your beach holiday is coming and you want to leave your “spare tire” at home. You’ve set a goal to complete your first triathlon. You want to do something that’s fun and brings your family closer. When your why is strong enough the how is so much easier. I know for me I train as much for my family as for myself. Not just as an example. I plan on living long and one way to help make that a reality is to be physically fit.
May I Recommend…
When you go to a good restaurant, the waiter or waitress will often recommend something from the menu. When it comes to your fitness and looking after yourself, most doctors and health and fitness experts recommend a healthy diet and a minimum 30 minutes of exercise 3 times per week. These have been the general recommendations I pass on to friends and clients who ask me.
When you look after yourself you feel better about yourself. Your confidence and self-esteem grow. You are better able to look after others. You are better able to help those who matter most to take care of themselves. When you look after yourself you are more fit for purpose. You can do this!
Your Powerplay
Commit to an exercise suited to you three times per week.
Photo: Liam_Somerville/Flickr
Originally appeared at Leading Men Only
As a therapist I am constantly reminding clients of the body-mind connection. The most important relationship you have is with yourself first and foremost. Eating right, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly is the key to both mental and physical health. Self care. Responsibility for your health. I agree that exercise doesn’t have to be extreme, just getting out out and moving will be beneficial and something to build on. Dieting, fads and the idea that we can take a pill to be fit is preposterous. I say start with small manageable objectives toward an achievable goal and then build… Read more »
Tim, thank you for your contribution. It seems like we have a very similar approach. Our body, mind and spirit are all interdependent. As you say, it’s better to start small. Small wins create momentum.
Very true Tom. The photo is purposed for exactly the reasons you state. Being healthy is a relative perception and it’s not about being ripped for many of us.
Good article but there is something that bothered me and that is the photo that was sued. Being healthy doesn’t mean being buff or cut, does it? The guy that was shown obviously is not one that works out only 90 minutes a week.