If your dog is fat, you’re not getting enough exercise. - Anonymous

It's an exciting time. Yesterday ended on a great note. Not only was it a day filled with successful measurements (meaning clients completely on track with targets such as blood glucose and weight goals) but it was an evening with productivity on my part. Everyone faces hurdles with weight loss. While advertisements that promise seaming-less easy success to draw in customers, the reality is far from glorious. The National Institutes of Health has identified attitudinal factors regarding physical activity that are associated with adopting an active lifestyle:

· Perceives a net benefit

· Chooses an enjoyable activity

· Feels safe doing the activity

· Can easily access the activity on a regular basis

· Can fit the activity into the daily schedule

· Feels that the activity does not generate financial or social costs that he/she is unwilling to bear

· Experiences a minimum of negative consequences such as injury, loss of time, negative peer pressure, and problems with self-identity

· Is able to successfully address issues of competing time demands

· Recognizes the need to balance the use of labor-saving devices (eg lawn mower, automobile) and sedentary activities (eg watching TV, using computer) with activities that involved a higher level of physical exertion

Today, it’s all about the perceived benefit.  Being physically active exemplifies being healthy at any size.  Regardless of weight, individuals with similar health profiles, a person who has adopted and maintained a physically active lifestyle will be healthier than someone who is sedentary.  Weight loss isn’t easily attained without the adoption of a healthful diet.  Physical activity is beneficial far beyond weight benefits due to its relationship with chronic disease risks. 

Perceived benefit is an individual concept.  We go to work – perhaps for a combination of career fulfillment as well as financial security – for some perceived benefit.  We can view physical activity in the same light.  Being physically active can result in improved body image, self-esteem, higher energy level, sports performance, socialization and other factors that may or may not have a measurement.  I have a strategy of scheduling my physical activity and I also have “exercise dates” with friends.  So when self-motivation and discipline fail me, I know that I have guaranteed at least a few good workouts each week.  Just last week, my friend refused to allow me to skip strength training my legs.  This morning, my dog was my exercise buddy.  Although, at the point when I got into a rhythm with my jog, he bailed on me and decided to wait for me at the start of the path rather than continue on with me.  Even our four legged friends have their bad days.