WHAT LIGHTS YOUR FIRE?

I've seen a lot of people come and go over the years at the gym. Some move on to another place, or even get some equipment at home, which is perfectly fine. But all too often, they simply quit working out altogether.

Now I know it's tough when you're busy, but I also know plenty of busy people who've found a way to carve out time for their training. Because for them, it's not just a workout, it's training. They're working hard to accomplish something specific.

It might be to get bigger or stronger. Or it could be to get smaller. Both are worthy goals that require lots of dedication and a strong commitment. But once in awhile, they get interested in a particular sport or event.

This extra level of interest in something specific gives them a real advantage. They don't ever want to miss, because they're constantly trying to improve. After all, they're in training.

Here are some things I've seen people prepare for, in just the last month or two. 5K races like the Color Run, 1/2 and full marathons, Warrior Dash and the Spartan Sprint (5K with obstacles). Tough Mudder (10-12 mile obstacle course), Steeple Chase, and Long Distance Bicycle Rides (across a state, or even several states). Soft Ball Season, College Baseball, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fights, JiuJitsu tournaments, Golf Season, Gymnastics, Cheerleading, and Taekwondo tourneys. Weight loss in Biggest Losers, BooT CamP Workouts (both kids and adults), body-building, strength training, and even weight lifting competitions!

As you can see, it's a pretty diverse group of events. Some people are trying to win their event while others are trying to improve their performance. Still others are simply trying to finish their first event. But they all have something in common. They're committed to their training. They never miss. As a result, they're also getting and staying fit.

I think the key to their success is they've found something specific that interests them. Sometimes they want a new challenge to test themselves with, so they switch gears and start training for that. Whatever the reason, it keeps them training, and that keeps them fit.

Don't get me wrong, it's perfectly fine to just go and workout. Lots of people do that too. They're getting healthy and that's the main thing. But if you can find something that lights a fire under you, THAT will give you staying power!

Some people working on their training include our Week Three Biggest Losers. Tiffany Gann took first place, losing 3.8 lbs and 1.6% of her body weight; Krista Krabel finished second, losing 3.2 lbs and 1.4%; and Jacqi Trowbridge was third, losing 1.8 lbs and 1.2%.