Oct 09
23
Why you don’t want a six pack
In my last article I wrote about how everyone has abs, and how you can expose yours. As I read what I wrote I started mulling over what I said, and I hope I haven’t give the wrong impression. Having a 6-pack isn’t the end all of fitness. However, the way people show them off and chase after them would tell you different.
My argument as to why a 6-pack really isn’t important is pretty much the same as I gave in throwing away your scale. Living a fit and healthy life style is less about what your specific weight is, and more about achieving what you want out of life. If you spend all your time chasing a 6-pack instead of going out and enjoying your life and new physique you’re never going to be happy. What’s more, if you ever lose that 6-pack you’ll find yourself back in the same situation of self-dislike as before.
The best way to make you happy is by setting some good sustainable goals for yourself. Of course a 6-pack can be one of those goals, but try giving yourself a variety of goals which you can work towards. Here’s a few good examples:
1. Do a half (or full marathon)
Start out with a half marathon and you get all the excitement and energy of finishing a big event without the massive amounts of training and day after soreness. Your coworkers and/or peers will be amazed with you regardless of it being a “half”, just the word marathon will inspire awe. The fact that you did it will be something you can always take pride in, no matter what your physical condition is in the future. (You don’t even have to run it!)
2. Run a 8 minute mile
Nearly everyone hates running, or at least mildly loathes it. Rise above the masses by being able to outpace more than most teenagers. It will feel good every time you reach to bump up the speed on the treadmill when the person next to you is dying just trying to keep up. Lapping people on the track is a wonderful feeling too!
3. Do 10 pull-ups
Look around your office or where you work. Odds are is that most people around you can’t do 1, a few may be able to 2 or 3. Even at the gym, most won’t be able to do 5 or more. Blow them all away by cranking out 10. Even if you start to slip in the future and can only do 6 or 7, you’re still ahead of the pack.
4. Fit into size XX jeans
This is a great one since you don’t need to look at the scale or do any crazy measurements. On top of that, there is nothing better looking than someone who is comfortable with how they look in what they are wearing. Being able to wear the same size pants as your teenager is something worth bragging to your friends about in addition to being easily sustainable.
5. Keep up with your kids
No matter what their age is, it’s disheartening to have to slow or sit down in the midst of a game of tag. Being able to play hard with the kids till bedtime is a workout by itself. Who said exercising takes time away from the family. You’ll get bonus points from the kids by spending the extra time with them.