The Five Psychological Phases of
Fitness
I have often used the five phases to describe to
people how they are going to feel in the near future about starting a fitness
program whether as a beginner or as an advanced athlete preparing for Navy SEALs
or Special Forces training. I have
found that both the out of shape beginner and the advanced Special Operations
candidate develop into their goals through the process described
below:
The first phase of fitness requires a person to make a decision to
get healthy or become a Special Operations candidate. This phase takes 2-3 seconds, but it
actually takes about 2-3 weeks to make habits that will fuel your desire to
obtain your goals. Hang in there at
least that long and BUILD GOOD HABITS.
This phase is filled with motivation and a general excitement about
fitness and exercise.
In
the second phase, doubt enters and can either crush your progress or make you
stronger. It is absolutely natural to have doubts about what you are
undertaking. My advice is to start doubting yourself as quickly as possible and
get over it. Realize self doubt is part of the process. Even SEAL trainees doubt themselves, but
those who become SEALs conquer their doubt. Those who lose 60-80 pounds in a year,
conquer their doubt as well.
Phase Three is one of the most exciting
phases when you realize you have conquered your doubt. You may have to redo this phase
continually throughout your quest for fitness or Special Forces status, but once
you do,you can do anything you set your mind to. This is where the mind
and body connect. Use the workouts to be a catalyst in all areas of your
life: work, relationships, school, etc...I am a firm believer that
exercising your body will give you the stamina and energy to exercise your mind
spirit and achieve those life long dreams you have.
Phase Four is the
total identity change and self-confidence realization period for most
people. You now associate yourself
with fit and healthy people. Now you are fit in mind and body. Your
example will inspire others. Be a role model to another heavy person or aspiring
Special Operations soldier. People will be amazed by your new work ethic
at work and play. Eating healthy is now a habit for you too. In fact eating fast food or unhealthy
snacks makes you feel slightly ill.
Phase Five is the next step, but the
journey never ends. Set and conquer
goals for yourself. Whatever you like - run, swim, bike, weight lift...Challenge
yourself to run a 10k, lift 400 lbs, do a triathlon. Fitness is a journey – not a
destination.
If you need help with a
fitness program for beginners or any
US Military Special Operations training manual – check out the
StewSmith.com
eBook Fitness Store
Stew Smith is a
graduate of the US Naval Academy, a former Navy SEAL, and author of several
fitness and self defense books such as The Complete Guide to Navy SEAL Fitness,
and Maximum Fitness. As a military
fitness trainer, Stew has trained hundreds of students for Navy SEAL, Special
Forces, Air Force PJ, Ranger Training, and other physical law enforcement
professions. His eBooks at
StewSmith.com can help you achieve your dream job or fitness goals.
Have any fitness questions? Send them to me at
stew@stewsmith.com.
