Train Like a Farmer

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

If you watched the SuperBowl, you probably saw the Dodge Ram commercial “God Made a Farmer”. It was a risky move. It wasn’t funny, it was’t shocking, but it was moving – and it was a huge success. Why? I think it’s because everyone respects a hard worker, and there is no doubt farmers work very hard. I think we can all learn a lot from a farmer, even when it comes to fitness. Why? Because life is all about working for a harvest.

In this commercial, Paul Harvey reels off a long list of traits and skills required to be a farmer.

Caretaker
Early Riser
Hard Worker
Patient
Resourceful
Willing to Work Long Hours
Strong
Gentle
Caring
Focused
Does What’s Right
Won’t Cut Corners
A Good Roll Model

No wonder there are SO many references to farming in the Bible, and I think you’ll begin to see what we can learn from farmers when it comes to our fitness goals. Now, let’s dive in and get a little dirty! Want to?

“The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.” Proverbs 20:4

This is the epitome of the person waiting on a hand out. Whether they are trying to collect money at a corner, or trying every fitness shortcut and diet pill they can, the end result is never that great.

They don’t do the work “in the autumn” but they still are looking for a harvest in the spring. Sure, there are some people who are just down on their luck for a season, but often times people are just reaping what they sew – nothing.

I believe people can start “plowing” anytime and begin to reap the harvest they always wanted. It just requires a clear plan, consistent hard work, and follow through to the finish. It doesn’t matter how old you are, how limited you are, how poor you are or how many other excuses you have, you CAN do things now, no matter how big or small, that will positively affect your future.

The problem is, like any situation in life, it’s easy to get down in the dumps and think there is no hope. Whether it’s trying to find a job, trying to lose weight and get in the shape of your life, the task can seem overwhelming at first. The key is to just to concentrate on what you need to do TODAY. Nothing less, nothing more.

A healthy fit body requires work, but results don’t happen overnight. Unlike many other things though, a healthy body is something no one else can give you even if they wanted to. Someone can give you a place to stay. They can clothe you, feed you and give you money – but they can’t give you fitness. THAT is something you have to be willing to work for.

So, what are you going to do? Are you going to try to avoid the work, or put it off? OR, are you going to get started now and reap the harvest you deserve? Are you ready to train like a farmer.

Fitness Columnist and Lifestyle Coach, Resident Trainer for Designer Whey, Fitness Advisor for FitStudio, powered by Sears, FitFluential Ambassador and Owner of Max Fitness Club, home of BCx Boot Camp in Vero Beach, Florida.