When things are balanced, we make continual small adjustments to stay that way. Looking at the picture above, as long as my boys make small moves and adjustments, they'll both stay on the log. What happens though when balance is lost? Larger movements are necessary.
When we're out of balance something NEEDS to shift. There needs to be a larger adjustment in the beginning and then smaller adjustments as we get closer to balance. I was reading a book by Dr. Kenneth Cooper this week. Dr. Cooper was the founder of the "aerobics" movement in late 1960's and was the one who coined that word. He recommends that jogging 12 to 15 miles a week is enough to keep people healthy. That's about 3 hours a week for a slow jog or fast walk. Right now, I exercise 6 hours a week. Is that too much?
I don't think so. I think it's a matter of regaining balance. By giving an increased focused to fitness and workouts, the time has been compressed that's needed. Over 100 lbs lost in less than a year doesn't come from a casual effort. The challenge is developing that place where balance is achieved.
I appreciate this quote by Dr. Cooper, in his book Faith-Based Fitness, "Those who allow their fitness programs to become all-consuming will soon find that other essential values, such as maintaining strong personal and family relationships, begin to crumble." Fitness is a part of a balanced life but not the whole thing. While we have times when we have to given an increased focus to our fitness, we need to remember that a great life includes physical, mental, financial, relationship, and spiritual fitness.
Are there areas of your life which are out of balance? Give those a focused effort and bring them back into balance. Then that part of your life can have it's natural place rather than be distanced or over emphasized.
As you're gaining health, gain balance as well...
