Our 2016 MUS Wellness Incentive program is underway! If you’re participating, I wanted to comment on an underlying theme in some of the initial challenges. I think the key word is consistency. The Montana Moves January challenge is “Get in the Groove” by exercising at least 3 times per week. This challenge isn’t about what you do, it’s just about doing what you do consistently. The “Million Step Club” challenge was designed to keep the 10,000 steps a day goal present in your mind, challenging you to see how consistently you can attain that number. So far, I’ve only missed once this year, and there have been at least a couple of days that I did some extra steps in the evening because I didn’t want to miss my mark.
Wellness is more than just physical activity, so challenges like “Get Your Zzzzz’s” and “Be a Meal Planner” help us be consistent with the way we care for our bodies. When good nutritional habits are paired with consistent exercise and self-care like sleep and stress management, that’s when the magic happens.
Whenever someone asks me what is the best way to get results, I always say “Be consistent.” As I said earlier, when it comes to exercise or fitness, whatever you’re into, whatever program you choose, be diligent, be persistent, be consistent. Results will come from good behaviors practiced consistently.
Here’s a story from our pool of 2015 Success Stories that I think illustrates these points beautifully. It was shared by Brandon Orr from Helena College. Enjoy:
I’ve lost around 20 lbs. this year. It seemed like I’d hit the wall, and couldn’t get any lower at the beginning of the year. I wanted to do more than just lose weight though, so I started going to the gym 3 times a week with my next-door neighbor (having someone to go with was awesome!). I went consistently for most of the year and built my strength and endurance. It wasn’t until I changed my diet, however, that I actually started losing weight. Moving away from heavy, processed foods made a huge difference in how I felt and I started dropping pounds. Now I’m within the range of a healthy person my age and size. I’m not perfect, but I’m happier, have more energy, and look better to boot!
Thanks for sharing Brandon, and thanks everyone who shared with us this Holiday season! We’ll continue to share inspirational stories like Brandon’s throughout the year to keep you energized and moving toward great health!
Believe in yourself, believe in what you’re doing, and stay consistent!
NA
Montana Moves 