Image: Eatright
Fitness in General is an aspect of our daily lives that should not be abandoned as it improves our mental and physical health as humans. When we go through a painful workout routine on a daily basis, we begin to see a better version of ourselves, which improves our confidence and motivation to take on even harder tasks outside of the fitness world. As easy as these could sound, it could become a great mountain to climb without the presence of an actual fitness plan to help guide one through the path of fitness
What is Physical Fitness Program?
Physical fitness programs are structured plans that help keep an individual's physical and mental health in check through physical activities. This program could be tailored for either elite or beginner trainers and no matter who or what type of person a physical fitness program is tailored for, it must contain an element in form of training which includes a mix of cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, body composition and in most cases nutritional guidance.
Incorporating physical fitness programs into your fitness journey could seem exciting at first, later on the excitement fades away and burnouts with inconsistency kicks in gradually which could make you quit your physical fitness program unexpectedly. Hence, being able to maintain consistency while avoiding burnout at the same time is one challenge most individuals face when it comes to fitness. An historical model that could be adopted to help individuals that work out stay consistent with physical fitness programs is the JFK Physical Fitness Program.
What was The JFK Physical Fitness Program?
The JFK Physical Fitness Program was introduced by former President John F. Kennedy in the 1960's. This program aimed at reviving the decreasing level of fitness which John F. Kennedy had noticed amongst American youths. Being the 35th President-elect of the United States of America, he put out an article which he titled “The Soft American” where he had warned of the dangers an unfit America could pose to the world at large especially in situations of war. Fully assuming office, he immediately converted the existing President Council on Youth Fitness (PCYF) to be called the President Council on Physical Fitness (PCPF), the latter fitness council was known to be more effective than the former through the intervention of former President John F. Kennedy.
This program encouraged Americans to stay fit in strength, stamina as well as flexibility which enabled simple daily routine focus that aimed at establishing long-term fitness goals rather than short-term goals. This saw the program grounded on consistency, improving a long-lasting fitness sustainability and most importantly avoiding the burnout trap. These strategies and approach to fitness still presents a huge relevance in today’s fitness world especially for you as a fitness lover and enthusiast.
Tips From JFK Physical Fitness Program To Stay Consistent
Drawing from the core principles of the JFK Physical Program you can learn how to keep consistency in your physical fitness program with Each tip also contributing to prevent burnout.
1. Set Realistic Goals
Rather than focus on fast and rapid gains, the JFK Physical fitness program teaches you to lay your main fitness focus on gradual improvements which will further help you achieve realistic goals which is one of the core principles of the program. Achieving small milestones and breaking down long-term achievements to shorter ones will help build momentum which will definitely keep you going in the journey of your fitness program.
2. Create a Structured Routine
Consistency no doubt thrives wherever routine is, hence it is important that you use a well structured routine plan to boost consistency in your physical fitness program. The JFK physical fitness program also encourages Americans to develop a scheduled fitness routine, no matter how little it is. Following this will unconsciously set fitness into your daily routine and just like the way you brush your teeth or have your bath in the morning, fitness is engrossed into your daily life as such there will be no way for you to breed decision fatigue like you have always done.
3. Diversify Your Workouts
Boredom is the biggest cause of burnout and boredom is most times caused by the repetition of monotonous actions. Hence, engaging in the same exercise everyday is the fastest way to burnout. The JFK Physical Fitness Program well encourages diversity in workout routines where aerobic programs and strength-training exercises could be mixed across routines to achieve a balanced routine plan.
4. Prioritize Rest and Recovery
It is easy to get caught up in the whole journey on the quest to see the amazing result of your work to ensure a fit body. which could result in you pushing yourself to the brink everyday and getting little rest which can weaken you totally, stopping your consistency and ending your fitness journey through burnout. The JFK Program emphasizes the importance of resting and recovery to heal your body and mind. Making sure to schedule rest days into your fitness routine will allow your muscles to heal and your body to recover, reducing the risk of burnout. Practices like stretching, light yoga, or even taking a gentle walk on rest days can help you stay active while allowing your body to recover.
5. Track Your Progress
Track Your Progress Another way to stay motivated and consistent is by tracking your progress. In the 1960s, the JFK program involved fitness tests that participants could use to measure their performance over time. While fitness tests may not be necessary for everyone, keeping a journal or using a fitness app to track milestones, like the number of miles run or weights lifted, can be highly motivating.
Progress tracking allows you to see how far you’ve come and reminds you that your hard work is paying off. When you hit a fitness plateau, reviewing your progress can reignite your motivation.
