Fabila's Fitness Club

S ome of my female friends often tell me how impossible it is for them to make time to workout or live a healthy lifestyle. “It’s hard” they tell me, “when I get back from work all I want to do is jump into bed” some say. For those who are married, have children and work, suggesting exercise to them is as good as suicide! Yes it is hard and I know because I did work in a law firm and anyone familiar with the working hours in Nigerian law firms knows the craziness involved! How did I survive it back then:

I  see people who would proudly tell you how many years they have been exercising. “I’ve been doing yoga for 5 years” or “I’ve been attending step-classes for 3 years”. With all this years of experience, one would expect their fitness level to be topnotch, but, I see them at the back of the class gasping for air after 10 minutes, and their bodies showing no proof. I mean if you could do two squats at the beginning of your first year, it is expected that you would do 5 or 10 squats at the end of the first year, especially, if you are so consistent that you need to brag about it. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. You find someone who has been on level 1 stay on level one forever. I believe there should be progression in life. Staying fit is not all about losing weight; it includes progressing in your fitness level.  After chatting with a few people, I came up with five reasons why some people make no progress in their fitness journey:

I  often hear people ask what fitness programme is best for them. You make recommendations and they come back again asking for another alternative. There are so many fitness programmes and the numbers would only increase. You could try all and still find yourself on level zero, with little or no progress. What then is the problem? I mean Sister Felicia who got introduced to fitness a few months ago, is already seeing tremendous results! Why are you struggling so much in shedding a pound? 

Y ou’ve probably promised to slap the next person who suggests that you exercise. You know the benefits of exercising. You know it prevents the likelihood of developing heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. You know it promotes better sleep and boosts your mood. You also know that you would maintain a good shape and look great. What then are you waiting for? What’s your excuse? I’m very busy Fabila, I have work, family, etc. Are you in this category? We all are busy but everyone finds time for what’s important. I’m sure you would not leave your kids in school because you are too busy, even if you pick them late, you must pick them up. If your health is important to you, then you would definitely find time to attend to it. Exercising does not have to be done in a gym, or at a specific time. You could find ways to incorporate exercise into your daily activities. Read my articles “Housework, Your Affordable Way Fitness” and “ Office Fitness: Exercise Right At Your Desk ”. Y...

I  was carrying out a research recently when this topic caught my attention. I found a number of articles which stated that African-American women avoid exercising because they're worried about their hair. Many African/African-American women wear weaves and many spend lots of money on these weaves. The thought of sweating and ruining their weaves is said to deter many women in this category from exercising. Do you agree with this? Does your hair really stop you from exercising?