JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Dr. Wayne Dyer, an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development, had a saying he used every day of his life, “Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change.” It was one of his secrets for feeling successful and attracting abundance into his life.
Many Airmen can use that philosophy in their outlook of a healthy and active lifestyle. For instance, when it comes time for the fitness test, do you approach it with dread?
Our minds are very powerful. The Air Force Reserve has talented, educated, busy reservists who may have learned skills to pass an Air Force test without too much preparation. That might work for a multiple choice test but you must prepare to pass an Air Force fit test.
The Air Force Instruction which covers fitness, AFI 36-2905 states, “It is every Airman’s responsibility to maintain the standards set forth 365 days a year. Being physically fit allows you to properly support the Air Force mission.” The fit test is designed to incorporate an active lifestyle year round.
Passing an Air Force fit test requires revving up your heart rate regularly. Dance, practice yoga, find what makes your heart sing and make time for YOU. The American Heart Association recommends exercising thirty minutes a day, five days a week. That’s just 150 minutes a week. Think about how much time you spend each week watching television or scanning social media. A one hour work out is just four percent of your day.
A healthy diet and physically active lifestyle are primary ways to prevent chronic diseases and manage your weight. The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports reports that only three in 10 adults get the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity per day. Physical activity is anything that makes you move your body and burn calories. It doesn’t require running, push-ups and sit-ups. The American Heart Association recommends walking as the simplest, most positive change you can make to improve your heart health.
In Dyer’s book, Living An Inspired Life, he recommends taking time for your health. “Simplify your life by being an exerciser and a sensible eater,” he wrote. He cut back on the grams of sugar he ate each day and lost 17 pounds.
Instead of thinking of a “die-it” consider a ‘live-it’ - a daily choice you make to be the healthiest you can be. If you make a workout fun – it doesn’t feel like work. Find something you enjoy and get started.
So the next time you take the required fitness test you may see things differently.