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Everything Broad Ripple HomearrowRandom Ripplings Homearrow2011 05 27arrowColumn

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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v08n11)
Gettin' Ripped in Ripple - Out of Comfort and Into the Zone - by Laura Minor
posted: May 27, 2011

Gettin' Ripped in Ripple header

Out of Comfort and Into the Zone

We all have our daily routines. For example, Joe gets up in the morning, drinks his coffee, drives to work, works, drives home, makes dinner and watches his favorite TV shows before heading to bed. And having a routine isn't at all necessarily bad depending on what one is doing as their routine. If you are truly content with your life, your health and your relationships, then you presume your comfort zone is where you want to stay. However, I am going to challenge that assumption because many of us don't know what we may be missing out on; our comfort zones keep us from growing, exploring and experiencing which are all human needs for happiness. If you want to improve your life in any way you can think of. . . then you need to learn to get OUT of your comfort zones! It's a fact: the most successful people are those who are more comfortable being NOT-comfortable. That is, they've learned to get out of their comfort zones-and regularly and periodically stay out of them-in order to achieve great things. This is also true in terms of diet and exercise.
When we go to the gym or exercise outside, we typically do the routine that we are used to. We tend to do the things that we are good at and familiar with because it is the "safe" way to go and we aren't out of our comfort zone. The idea of working out more, harder, or differently than you do now is an uncomfortable idea to you because it's reaching out past your comfort zones. But it is the only way to kick start change in your body and fitness. It won't just do it because you want it to.
I have a personal story that I love to share with clients when they fear to try new things. About eight years ago, a girl that I knew very little asked me to join her 12 person relay team for the "Hood to Coast" run in Oregon; it spans 100 miles from the base of Mt. Hood to the coastline. When she asked me I immediately said to myself "Um, no way," and proceeded to try to think of how I was going to turn her down. And them something in my head clicked (don't know what) and I thought to myself "Why not?" and then wondered what I was getting myself into. My sister and I joined this team of strangers, and while I thought it may be a little awkward, it turned out to be one of the most amazing experiences of my life! Since then, I have persuaded others to try this same type of event and they have all had the same experience: NO WAY at first and then so glad that I prodded them to do it.
Now I am not saying that all of you should go out and do relay runs across the country. I am challenging you to push outside your activity box. For example, try a Zumba class, sign up and train for the Hilly Hundred, check out Tai Chi, or visit a new park. Not only will your body feel the change by moving differently but your mind will be re-focused with more variety. Vacating one's exercise comfort zone can shape more than muscle; it can build confidence and create a healthier mind, body and spirit.
The same is true for your diet. We tend to eat the same foods day in and out, and what may be a small nutrient deficit can turn into a real problem over years and years. Again, I am not advising to go to extremes, but just shake up your normal regimen here and there. Go for Indian or Sushi instead of pizza. Cook different types of veggies and healthy meats. If you find that you eat a lot of meat, try for a few vegetarian meals a week (no not French fries and cookies!). While I am not currently, I was vegetarian for four years and it did wonders for expanding what I was willing to try, and realized how much I loved foods that much to my pleasant surprise!
In summary, look at your "uncomfort" zone as a place to grow, improve and challenge yourself. I haven't heard anyone regret finding it yet!



Laura Minor owner and operator of So.Be.Fit. Personal Training and Fitness studio located at 54th and the Monon. She is passionate about teaching others how to "FIT" exercise and physical activity into their daily lives, and have fun while doing so! Visit her website at www.sobefitindy.com or e-mail laura@BroadRippleGazette.com




laura@broadripplegazette.com
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