I’m not a very active person; the extent of my daily exercise is walking up a couple flights of stairs. I don’t take pride in this fact, and I often find myself promising that I will start exercising, but like many people, I don’t follow through. Whether it’s because of a busy schedule, or that the appeal of simply sitting down and watching TV is much greater, we’ve all been through it. It’s always easier WATCHING people lose weight on shows such as Biggest Loser, then actually getting on the tread mill myself. I was skeptical at first when reading "The Real, Sexy, Smart, and Strong" by David Patchell-Evans , because after all, how is reading a book on exercise going to actually get me on my feet? A few chapters in, I was already convinced I should take some initiative. Besides listing the ways in which you can meet your own personal health goals, this book is filled with inspiring and encouraging stories that will make any person see the true benefits of a healthy body.
David writes in a way that people can relate to, and personalizes the book by including his own discoveries and stories as well as those of others that will only further inspire you.
I thought I already had a relatively good understanding about the benefits of exercise, but this novel informed me on so many other ways that exercise can transform your life for the better.
When you’re inactive, but still feel like you’re in “good shape” it’s because you have gotten used to your body constantly having low energy, and feeling weak. David outlines all the problems with an unhealthy lifestyle, and step-by-step directions to improve your health in a way that best suits you, your body type, and schedule. Working out shouldn’t have to be a chore, or even boring. You can create a routine that focuses on the areas that need the most work, and an activity or a sport that you are interested in. One of the main focuses of this book is to make people realize that setting a goal in hopes of achieving “perfection” is only going to discourage you, because with different body types comes different results, and naturally, exercise alone will not sculpt your body into a replica of “bond girl” bodies.
Celebrity’s often times resort to drastic lengths to get that flawless body, but it’s important to set realistic goals, to stay encouraged, and lose weight at a healthy rate. In the first part of the novel, David talks about the boundaries people set on themselves, and excuses we make up delaying our plan of action. We’ve all said it, “maybe I’ll start tomorrow,” in the hopes that whoever was witness to this commitment will forget by the time the day arrives, and the nagging will be over. David helps you work past your boundaries and figure out the many reasons for you to be living a healthier life. Part two is about some of the physical obstacles we have, like David Patchell Evans, who works through having arthritis everyday. Also working through your own thoughts during the process is important, and making sure to keep in mind all the positives. Last but not least, part three deals with the many ways to change and enjoy your work out, eating healthy, the importance of warm ups and bursting through your own limitations.
After completing the book, my past interest in taking up a dance class or joining a gym was completely renewed. A friend of mine has been a dancer for many years; I called her up and asked about the classes the studio she went too offered. I’ll be joining a hip hop class starting January when the new classes start, and took up my friend's offer to join him on Saturday morning’s at the gym he’s a regular at. I’ll be starting slowly and only doing what my body can handle at the beginning stages, but I’m hoping to tone and define my muscles, and eat healthier; avoiding temptation even when that bag of chips seems to be calling my name. When I can’t make it to the gym I plan to do a work out at home, and will always try to fit in at least a half an hour of exercise three times a week. I’m not a quitter, but when my body starts to feel a little sore, and exercising doesn’t seem worth the time and struggle, I’ll be reminding myself that I can’t achieve anything if I give up. Diabetes runs in my family, and I want to be one less, setting an example, and sending out the message that it’s vital for us to fight for a longer, happier and healthier life.
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