Lance Armstrong and Exercise - From Denial to Desire!

Press Conference 1996 – Lance Armstrong
On Wednesday October 2, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. I have been made aware that it has spread to other parts of my body... I... I am... here to say, I will work with the doctors to overcome... and I will work hard to race once again.

"Just DO it" Nike Ad

Sunday July 24, 2005 Lance Armstrong not only beat cancer, but also went out on top after winning seven consecutive Tour De France bicycle races. If you don't know, the Tour De France bike race is with out a doubt the most grueling endurance race ever. For the most conditioned athletes it is the hardest optical they will ever face. However, for Lance after cancer, the race seems as if it were just a formality of a race already won.

No one will ever know what truly drives a human being to overcome such odds. No one will ever know what demons they had to face each and every day in those beds, bikes and back roads of their minds. What I do know is Lance did go from denying his condition to having a deep desire to overcome it and succeed!

In my best selling book I write what it takes to go from denial about your health to incorporating exercise into your daily routine.

Here's a small portion:

From Denial to Desire

Living in a state of denial can really be a big weight to carry for anyone, no matter what the circumstances are surrounding it. But, what does it mean to be in denial of your health? What are some of the behaviors that are associated with denial?

I know I need to make an appointment for a checkup! But you don't.

I may have a few pounds on me, but I still feel fine.

I walk on the golf course isn't that enough?

I'm going to die sooner or later, why start now on an exercise program?

Ok, I get the point, but... ...

Where do I go from here? What's next for me?

HAVE A DEEP DESIRE

What does it mean to have deep desire for something? Remember those feelings you had back when you wanted your first bicycle. That Barbie doll you made a fit over in the toy store in front of everyone. Or what about that girl or boy you would have done just about anything for? There was such a hunger, a burning in your gut. You couldn't even think straight, eat or sleep because it occupied your every thought. You just had to have it!

HAVE HOPE

Have hope! Acknowledging the reality of your life does not mean you have to give up hope. It can mean just the opposite, "A new, fresh beginning." Many a people have done extraordinary things with nothing but a little bit of hope. Combine that with some faith and a deep desire to feel better, you may be surprised how your life will change.

HAVE AN OPEN MIND

Have an open mind toward exercise and eating better, rather than resenting the actions.

Accept the fact that life will not hand you a perfect situation.

Learn that your self-worth is not based upon if you ask for help along the way.

We age. Our metabolism slows down, and we are more prone to injuries and illness. However, it does not have to be fatal or depressing if you exercise and eat better. The threesome of denial, pride and laziness will always be followed up by some unwanted consequence to your health. And things that make you resist exercise and eating right are only illusions you have created.

If the whys are big enough, the hows don't matter!

Niche

HAVE A LONG-TERM ATTITUDE

If you want to go from denial to desire, call on the "all or nothing attitude." If you are going to start now, you have to start for good. The reality is you will have good attitude and bad attitude days for the rest of your life. But understand, if you are going to be healthier through exercise and eating, you are going to have to participate in some form of exercise till the day you die. This is not a temporary fix to a long-term problem; it is a lifestyle.

TAKE AN "INSIDE-OUT" APPROACH

It is really important to understand that in order to sustain a healthy lifestyle, you have to develop a positive type of mind set. Sure it looks great and feels great to have a well-shaped body on the outside. However, you will never win the aging battle if you think that all you have to do is work on the outside of the body.

You will have a better chance of feeling better inside and outside if you have a deep desire to be healthy both physically and emotionally first! When your motives and desires come from the heart or "INSIDE-OUT", then true health begins to grow. And if your physical appearance changes during the process, that is icing on the cake.

Changing from the "INSIDE-OUT" is a concept or idea, a day-to-day mindset. When your main desire to exercise centers in your heart, it is here you start to live your life with the attitude of

What's next?

In a Nut Shell

What's next? Only you can answer that question.

Denial, Pride and Lazy will be your biggest obstacles when getting in better shape. And it would be unrealistic to think you will ever be totally rid of them. On the other hand, building a strong desire to stand on your own can be your biggest strength against them. When your desire to feel better is so strong, the truth becomes a tool instead of a barrier.

Denial, Pride and Lazy are fictional characters in our minds. While paralyzing, immediate action without compromise tends to scare them away. Waiting to feel better makes no logical sense. Starting right now makes all the sense in the world because the result will be that you feel better.

"If only I had known." they said.

From the coach's box:

The process will be a lot easier with an open-minded, long-term approach to your health.

Most importantly, focus on what matters most in the long run-- — working on your inside physical and emotional well being.

No, you may not be a Lance Armstrong, but you do have the capabilities to overcome adversity in your life. We may not be able to win races on a bicycle, however we can LIVESTRONG! Way to go Lance. Thanks for being such an inspiration to us all!

Greg Ryan is a high profile fitness expert and former employee of Kathy Smiths. Best selling author of the Changing from the INSIDE book series. Discover the common sense way to lose weight with out dieting. A proven formula the doctor's DON'T want you to know about.

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