Raising the Bar

One of the most helpful take-away points Kenny and I came home with after our week in the Life Enhancement Program was a simple one: most of us know what we need to do to live a healthier lifestyle, but oftentimes we don’t follow through.

I think I’ve lived a pretty healthy lifestyle, overall. I take my vitamins and use sunscreen daily, try to stay active and eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

But my “healthy history” has had its peaks and valleys. Not surprisingly, I was incredibly motivated to eat right and work out almost daily the months before my wedding. My hard work and discipline paid off – I felt absolutely fabulous, inside and out, on my wedding day.

Moving back to Tucson to work at the Ranch, I thought I’d be healthier than ever! But I found it easy to ignore the treadmills and weights for one reason or another: I injured my toe, we were moving into a new house and I didn’t have time, the holidays were just around the corner, we had out of town guests, and, OMG, I have to study for the Arizona Bar!

I must admit, the weeks I spent holed up at home studying should not win an award for “Healthy Living.” I only went to the gym a few times and often ended up reaching for any snack that was available in my somewhat stark pantry. I didn’t want to spare the hour it would take to change into my workout clothes, hop on the treadmill, and get my heart rate up.

When I was studying for the California Bar a few years ago it seemed easy to take a break and jump on my elliptical trainer. What had changed? Back then, I hadn’t started my job yet, I was unmarried, all my friends were studying for the bar too, and I didn’t have a house, a pool and a yard to take care of. I didn’t have excuses!

So, feeling guilty the Saturday before the Arizona Bar, I dragged myself to the Ranch for the Stride and Strength class at the encouragement (actually, insistence) of a friend who happened to be enjoying a Spa Day that day. I was huffing and puffing on the 10 percent treadmill incline. And besides facing how out of shape I had become over the past few “excuse” months, I realized how much better I felt after just 45 minutes in the class!

I’ve just finished the two-day Bar exam, and I’ve promised myself, no more excuses! I have scheduled personal training sessions twice a week – for me, it’s a really effective way to stay motivated and accountable to my workout plan – and plan to do cardio on my own. I know this is what I need to do, and it’s just a matter of sticking with it. It’s time to raise the bar.

To Your Good Health!

Nicole Zuckerman