They say it takes 21 days to form a habit, however it is often very easy to become accustomed to a particular pattern of behaviour, whether it’s good or bad, in a much shorter time span.
This recently formed pattern of behaviour can easily become a way of life if we revert to it regularly, either consciously or sub-conciously.
The recent Easter break is a very good example of how easy it is to form a new habit in a very short period of time.
Over the 5-day break, chocolate, alcohol, cakes and other indulgent foods may have been consumed on a daily basis. Whereas previously you may have been maintaining a moderate, sensible and even disciplined eating and exercise routine, a short holiday such as Easter may have given you the chance to relax the rules for “a few days.”
The problem is not straying from the path of leading a diligent lifestyle for a few days. It’s when a few days turns into a week, then a week turns into a month and then before you know it, your clothes don’t fit you anymore.
Now, this period of time I call the “Tipping Point”, is the most dangerous. We are well past the “few days” period and it’s been a week since most of us have last consumed more water and vegetables in a day than we have wine and chocolates.
This is the time when, with some discipline and good old fashioned “pulling the finger out”, you can get it back. The fitness, the muscle tone and great shape. It’s easy to put in a couple of days to revert back to healthy habits.
Or you can tip over into the downward spiral of feeling flat, saggy and bloated and staying that way for the duration of winter. That’s how easy it is and you are right on the knife’s edge of a complete catastrophe unless you do something now!
So throw away the Easter eggs and chocolates, put down that glass of wine and get outside and into the gym. Pick up the fruits and veggies and fill your glass with water and do it before I have to say “I told you so.”
About the Author
Ryan Mitchell is the owner of Evolution Fitness Centre and is a qualified personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach. Ryan is dedicated to helping people achieve their health and fitness goals and draws on his experience and knowledge gained from training people of all ages and fitness levels. Ryan is a former Australian Powerlifiting Champion and Australian team member.
