I’m a big fan of author Max Lucada. I’ve read several of his books and, in fact, start every day by reading an inspirational thought from him. What I like most about how Max writes is how he simplifies even the most complex subjects to one or two key concepts and, in the process, challenges me to re-examine how I think and act. It’s not always comfortable for me to be challenged in this way, that’s for sure, but it’s always beneficial.

I found a recent daily thought titled “Some Days Never Come” so powerful that I wanted to share it with you. While the thought doesn’t address health and fitness directly, the underlying concept is certainly applicable to becoming healthy and fit:

“Some day, I can take her on the cruise.

Some day, I will have time to call and chat.

Someday, the children will understand why I was so busy.

But you know the truth, don’t you? You know even before I write it. You could say it better than I.

Some days never come. And the price of practicality is sometimes higher than extravagance. But the rewards of risky love are always greater than its cost.

Go to the effort. Invest in the time. Write the letter. Make the apology. Take the trip. Purchase the gift. Do it. The seized the opportunity renders joy. The neglected brings regret.” - Max Lucada (from Grace for the Moment, Vol. II)

How does the above quote from Max apply to fitness? You see, I talk to people every day who share with me their desire to break out of the rut they find themselves in as a result of eating poorly and not exercising enough. Sincere, well-meaning people who tell me they want to experience a physical, mental and, sometimes, emotional transformation will, in the same breath, tell me the “excuses” why they can’t do it. Sure, they have plans to some day make the effort, to invest the time, but, sadly for most of these individuals, their some day never comes.

But that wasn’t the case for two very special individuals I want to tell you about. Bill Kemper and MaryAnn Reiner are two recipients of the Exercise is Medicine training scholarships I awarded in June. In the May edition of Insight, I asked for individuals interested in receiving a one-month training scholarship to my Fitness Together private training studio to submit an essay addressing why they wanted to win a scholarship and how winning the scholarship would impact their life. Bill and MaryAnn submitted compelling essays and as a result were awarded a one-month scholarship each.

For Bill and MaryAnn, their some day was now. They were no longer willing to accept their current physical condition and had come to the point where no “excuse” was acceptable for not taking action. And take action they did. They both not only completed their scholarship month but continue to train with us to this day.

While their motivations were different, they both have brought an unwavering commitment and work ethic to their program and have experienced great success as a result. At their 6 week assessments Bill has reduced his body fat percentage by over 5 percent (losing nearly 10 pounds of body fat) while MaryAnn has lost 11.5″ across her body decreasing her body fat by 2 percent.

Has it been easy for Bill and MaryAnn? Certainly not - they’ve had their share of challenges. I’m sure there were times for both of them where they thought what was being required of them was more than they had to give. But they didn’t give up and in the process have learned just what they are capable of achieving. For Bill and MaryAnn, their Some Day did come. Is it time for your some day to finally arrive?

Article by Glenn Beard

Glenn is the owner/operator of Fitness Together of East Orlando. To learn more about his private 1-on-1 personal training studio or to take advantage of a FREE training session and fitness consultation visit www.FTorlando.com or call 407-208-0620. The studio is located at 11317 Lake Underhill Rd., Suite 500 (across from Legacy Middle School). You can also email Glenn at glennbeard@fitnesstogether.com. Visit the Fitness Together East Orlando YouTube page with exclusive video content and testimonials at www.youtube.com/fteastorlando.