| There is something subconscious or almost occult the | | | | Aside from physical location, I had also changed my |
| way that some people cannot get fitter and healthy. | | | | routine. |
| I know as a teen I could not seem to gain a pound | | | | So, what is your current environment like? Do you |
| of muscle or stop the taunts of bullies. There | | | | get constant criticism from spouses, parents, |
| seemed to be something that wanted to keep me | | | | students or co-workers? Whether you are a working |
| status quo. Fortunately, I figured out some methods | | | | adult or teenager living at home, you can still have |
| to drag me up out of the 116 pound weakling status. | | | | some control over your environment. |
| The first thing that really changed my life was | | | | It is difficult, but possible. You can offset the way |
| changing my environment. In my case, I joined the | | | | the world tries to contain you by: |
| army reserves and then the regular army. This got | | | | 1. Getting up earlier to study or exercise; |
| me away from my home town and high school. It | | | | 2. Finding a personal time and place to train; |
| got me away from people constantly talking about | | | | 3. Avoiding or minimizing media: television, internet, |
| how skinny I was. I was also more isolated from | | | | radio, etc. |
| media, the high school and neighbourhood. With time | | | | 4. Making your own meals; |
| on my hands, I was more open to reading about | | | | 5. Going to work or school 15 minutes earlier; |
| health and fitness and not just popular magazines. I | | | | 6. Going to bed 30 minutes earlier. |
| got away from the "push-push-push," "more exercise | | | | By breaking away from your normal routine, you |
| is better" mentality. Instead, I concentrated on two | | | | create a different environment. You will see and |
| weight-lifting workouts per week and ran every day. | | | | meet different people and situations. This takes you |
| My bench press went from 75 pounds to 165 pounds | | | | away somewhat from other people's expectations |
| and my body weight went up to 155 pounds. I also | | | | and gives you more time for your own fitness and |
| ate and slept more regularly. (What a concept for | | | | health goals. |
| muscle building.) | | | | |