I’ve heard on more than one occasion that having a sleek muscled torso with ripped abs is a sign of not having a life. It’s the argument that to do so is to ignore all the other aspects of life worth living for. Or that having a six-pack is the ultimate in vanity. Why work so hard for something so superficial? Or that to get in that level of conditioning, you have to deprive yourself of too much and who wants to be that rigid, disciplined and boring? Or maybe it reflects the thought that it is too hard to look like a fitness model so why not live for the moment and indulge.
So is having a six-pack a worthy goal or a stupid quest for the unattainable? Before I answer that question, let me share something that helps me make important decisions. I learned a long time ago that there are consequences and benefits to every choice we make. The first consequence or benefit is the immediate impact the choice has. The second consequence or benefit is the long-term impact. In other words, when we are making a decision, we need to consider both the short-term and the long-term impact.
Let me give you a simple example. You’re having dinner at a restaurant with friends. The waitress comes up to the table as you are finishing your meal and asks, “Would you like dessert tonight?” You’re tempted, so you take the menu being offered by your smiling server. You stare at the decadent items and your eyes fixate on the mouth-watering image of a chocolate lava cake. Your favorite.
So what do you do? The immediate benefit of getting the cake is that it will satisfy your sweet tooth and fill you with yummy goodness…a treat for you and your tastebuds! If you decide to order and eat the cake, you have succumbed to a desire for immediate gratification.
But before you order too hastily, you should consider the long-term impact of your choice? Eating the cake will add about 750 calories to your meal and put you even further behind on your goal to lose that extra 15 pounds you’ve been complaining about for the past few months. In addition, you know that despite the pleasure in the moment, you will feel guilty and be upset with yourself by the time you wake up in the morning.
The problem with making decisions to satisfy our immediate desires is that these decisions are often served with a delayed order of regret. In other words, cake now, regret later. Or pleasure now, negative consequences later.
I’m not saying that you should never order cake. I’m simply saying there are benefits and consequences to your choices and you should consider the immediate and long-term impact before you make impulsive decisions. Make your decisions intentional because your choices will impact you now and later.
So let’s get back to that six-pack…
The long-term impact of striving for that elusive six-pack is pretty darned positive. Even if you settle for a stronger flatter stomach instead of more defined and ripped abs, the benefits are many. You have a stronger core and sturdier back. So you eliminate risks for injury and premature age-related degeneration.
You pay closer attention to what you eat and how you treat your body. You put a priority on wellness and health. You choose vitality over sluggishness.
You feel sexier. And what does sexier translate to? It makes you feel more confident. What a great gift to you and your significant other! While your partner may like you for who you are; there’s no denying that a more confident, healthier and slimmer you can be a real turn-on.
Let’s face it, this body is the only one you get on this pass through life. Don’t you want it to stay active and strong as long as possible?
No doubt, seeking a six-pack is something that will push you. And most people don’t want to be pushed. Go to the mall or any place where people are gathered. Look at the epidemic of obesity that surrounds us. People are living their life with one choice, but it’s the wrong choice. It’s the immediate gratification choice.
Believe it or not, I would argue that a six-pack makes you more purposeful. You are more purposeful with the food you eat, the exercising that you do, the active lifestyle you lead and the way you want to look and feel. And being healthier gives you more energy, which in turn, allows you to do the things that really do give your life purpose.
I think B.K.S. Ivengar said it well in Yoga: The Path To Holistic Health, “The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in.”
SPECIAL OFFER: Due to requests, I’ve put together a program I call Fitter, Flatter, Faster (More Details Here.) It’s designed to help you uncover the six-pack within and build a strong core. It also includes a cardio component (running and biking). It’s a 12-week virtual program that starts December 8, 2013. Early Bird Registration ends on Friday, December 5. Use Promotional Code FFF14 to save $10.
