Welcome to afitnewyou! Today I would like to explain to you how the
fundamental laws of physics apply to fitness training. Some of the most brilliant scientists of all
time were physicists, and there is a reason why we compare the complexity of
things to rocket science. One of the
most brilliant of these scientists is Sir Isaac Newton, who has three
fundamental laws of motion named after him.
One of his most recognizable laws starts “an object in motion will stay
in motion; and an object at rest will stay at rest.” You have most likely heard this statement
before, but I would like to show you how this fundamental of science applies to
fitness as well.
Here in the Northeast we are pretty
familiar with “snow birds”, people who live up north during most of the year,
but then fly down to a home in Florida
to spend the winter months. And here on Long Island I have encountered another type of “bird”,
the client who spends the summer months “out east” at their summer homes. Both of these types of people will train for
most of the year in the gym, but when they move away, their exercise routines
drop off dramatically. While they have
the best intention of starting up again, they usually don’t start as soon as
they would like and/or need because as Sir Isaac Newton says, the body rest
tends to stay at rest. I have noticed
this as well with younger clients who are athletes. They will train hard to prepare themselves
for their sports season, and they stop once they are “in-season.” Unfortunately some of them will have a hard
time starting up again when their season gets out for the same reason. While they might need some rest following
their season, the more rest they get, the harder it is for them to get back
into the routine.
I constantly remind my clients that
a fitness routine is not supposed to connote something that is mundane and
boring. However, it is called a routine
because it is supposed to be maintained regularly because you want to be a body
in motion that stays in motion. Fitness
is just one of the many aspects of life that are easier to handle once we “get
into the rhythm.” It can be said that it
is easier because it’s a fundamental law of physics.
If you do get into the gym
regularly, you will know that this law also applies to how both your body
moves, and how the weights move. It’s
always harder to get the weight stack moving for that first rep. That’s because you need to overcome static
friction…another physics term. But once
the weight, and/or your body, starts moving, it’s easier to keep it
moving. So keep that in mind as a means
of encouragement…know that once you get yourself going, it will be easier to
keep going.
People who suffer from arthritis
also understand quite well why it’s important to remain in motion. Many who suffer from arthritis experience the
worst pain after staying in the same position for a long time (e.g. sitting in
a car, sitting at a desk, getting out of bed in the morning). But, they get relief as soon as they start
moving, and the pain will remain at bay until they stop again.
You can’t argue with the laws of
physics, and there is much to be learned from brilliant scientists. It’s important to understand that with Newton ’s Law, an object in
motion stays in motion, and an object at rest stays, at rest applies to you and
your movement too! You are not excused
from the laws of physics. So be
encouraged! Know that once you start a
routine, it will be easier to maintain routine if you keep at it. And even moving the weights will be easier as
well. However, if you become that bump
on the log, it will be hard to get out of that rut. So, if you are debating taking a day off from
the gym, try not to unless it’s due to an injury. You want to keep your body in motion because
it will be easier to remain in motion. Work
with the laws of physics…getting yourself in motion will become and easier and
easier way to achieve a fit new you!
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