As my clients and I get older we must figure out unique ways to stay motivated. Searching for new exercises and ways of doing things is certainly helpful, but going back to the basics and keeping it simple still seems to produce the greatest benefits.
That said, I’m now focusing on one exercise per day to build core power, develop a six-pack, strengthen my back, help my posture and whatever other benefit there may be. My thinking is that, if I can master that one exercise, everything else will be a piece of cake.
For my clients I have them pick a muscle they want to develop or an exercise they may have difficulty with, then I help them perfect that exercise. However, I’m now challenging them to do that exercise each day for a month. They have to do at least one set of that exercise to build momentum. If they want to do more, that’s fine too, but they must make sure to get that one set in.
Therefore, I challenge you to do the same thing. It doesn’t matter what the exercise is or what anyone else thinks about it. What’s difficult for you may be easy for the next man and vice-versa. All you must consider and visualize how progressing through the exercise and perfecting it will positively impact your life.
My exercise is a hanging leg raise. I find a pull-up bar at the gym, hang on to it, then raise my legs up until they are parallel to the floor and hold that position. The first day I tried it I could only hold on for 10 seconds. My goal is to progress to a 60-second hold in 30 days. But the bottom line is that I’m getting better and feeling stronger every day, which is what this challenge is all about.
So, pick an exercise and go for it!
