Fit for Life: Right Mindset – Right Result

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Matt Espeut, GoLocalPDX Health +Lifestyle Contributor

It's your mindset that makes the difference. No, it's not me. It’s not the gym you go to. It’s not the equipment you use.

I know how to train people, and can direct and coach you to your goals. I know exactly what it takes to get you fit and healthy, but it’s up to you to bring the right mindset to get there.

Physically, anybody can do it, if you are in good health. Simple exercises, and a good nutrition plan will get anybody fit and in shape. I do the same workout daily for all my clients at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp. I schedule 9 group sessions that change daily, and every client goes through the same routine for that day, but some clients get more fit than others. You might wonder, “Why is this”? It’s mindset. Some people are on a mission, and nothing will come between them and their goals. Not pizza, not wine, not cookies, not ice cream. Nothing. We all enjoy these things, but the people that make up their minds to get fit, will exercise self discipline, and avoid these items, as well as any negativity that will hold them back.

If you don't have a strong enough mindset – or willpower - to get to the gym you will never achieve your goals either. As I said earlier, access to all the tools is available for all of us, but it’s the people who program their minds to get it done that will succeed.

I have come to the conclusion that one human just like another human, physically. Sure, genetics play a role with height and bone structure. But we all have the ability to be fit and healthy. What set us apart is the chain of thought that varies drastically among us.

It’s like success in business. If you have the right entrepreneurial mindset, you will probably be successful in life. Sure, you can make mistakes and fall back, but with the right mindset, the sky is the limit.

I could be the best trainer in the world (maybe), and have the best training facility around, (it’s really nice), but if I can't convince you that you need this, and you don’t adopt the right mindset, you won't succeed. I have an exceptional track record of getting people fit, but I can’t reach everyone. I try my hardest to keep people motivated, and encourage everyone to be consistent in their program, but if you aren’t in the right frame of mind, you will just go through the motions, or not come at all. In my place, that’s all you need. The right mindset. Once you get here, I do everything else. Push you through your workouts, develop an individualized nutrition plan for you to follow, and keep you accountable, and we have a good time doing it. The toughest part is programming you to get here, and realize fitness is a way of life.

If you get your mind right, you will get your body tight.

The holidays are upon us. You have two choices. Either focus on your health and fitness, and not let the holidays derail your progress (too much), or throw in the towel, gain ten pounds, and frantically come back January 2nd, heavier and miserable. Enjoy the holidays, treat yourself (a little), and do things in moderation, but try to limit the damage. Make up your mind now, and program yourself to succeed. Happy Holidays to you all!

Matt Espeut, GoLocal's Health & Lifestyle Contributor has been a personal trainer and health & fitness consultant for over 25 years. He is the owner of two fitness facilities on the east coast. You can reach Matt at (401) 453-3200; on Facebook at "Matt Espeut", and on Twitter at @MattEspeut. "We’re all in this life together – let’s make it a healthy one!"

Related Slideshow: The 7 Best Health and Fitness Apps

Here is a list of some of the most obsession worthy health apps.

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MapMyRun

MapMyRun is the number one selling running app for a reason: it is easy to use, offers community support if you want it, and tracks and stores your exact routes for you. If you are training for a race or a serious runner, users say that the extra perks in the upgraded paid version are well worth it.

Made for iPhone, Android and Blackberry

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MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal seems to be the clear favorite amongst everyone polled. It is helpful not only for the fitness tracking aspect, but everyone polled mentioned how much they loved the food/diet aspect as well. From carb counting for diabetics to recipe ideas to complement your fitness goals, users love this app.

Made for iPhone and Android

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JeFit

JeFit is another fitness app that has rave reviews. It not only tracks progress for you, but offers a huge database of workouts. While many apps offer community support, JeFit allows you to sync workouts with friends who use the app, offering a (real) virtual buddy system.

Made for iPhone and Android

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Strava

Strava gets the highest mark of all the cycling apps. While it is also great for runners, the cyclers seem particularly inclined towards the fierce competition that can be ignited by this app. You can track all of your rides via GPS, then you can compare your efforts to those logged by others in the community on the same stretch of road. You can also join ongoing challenges that can net you great prizes (in addition to bragging rights).

Made for iPhone and Android

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YogaStudio

YogaStudio gets the top vote for Yoga apps. It has a lengthy collection of full class-length videos available at your fingertips. Unlike many other apps, this one also allows you to customize your own video yoga class. All of the poses are done by qualified yoga instructors, and you can find classes suitable for all levels of yogis.

Made for iPhone only

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SimplyBeing

SimplyBeing meditation app offers the best of both worlds. You can choose to run this app as a background for your meditation with soothing music or natural sounds that run for a set amount of time. Conversely, for those of you who have trouble focusing during meditation, you can choose a soothing voice-guided meditation.

Made for iPhone and Android

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Fooducate

Fooducate is an app all about educating people so that they make healthier food choices. Although not perfect, this app is easy to use (you can even take pictures of bar codes to instantly find foods in their database). It gives food a letter grade, tells you the pluses and minuses, and gives you better ranked alternatives. You can also use it as a weight loss tool by tracking your daily calories.

Made for iPhone and Android