This post will be one in a series as I don’t think it’s possible to capture in one sitting my thoughts behind having a fitness philosophy let alone what my own philosophy is. I’ve had the fortune to meet a local trainer whose programs focus on total body conditioning, but rely heavily on the individual’s ability to set goals and mean what they say in their desire to achieve those goals. I’ve been corresponding with the trainer about my own fitness aspirations and have found myself wanting to really answer this question honestly.

I started the year with my goal of running a marathon–check. Planned to run the Cooper River Bridge Run–check. I’m not currently signed up for anymore events though I did register for the NYC Marathon and am anxiously awaiting June to see where I land in the lottery. I know I want to do the local Annapolis 10-miler and a triathlon this summer and hopefully another marathon in the fall. But I’ve been feeling gun shy about registering for anything.

It might sound odd, but I think my hesitation in registering for anything is tied directly to wanting to identify my fitness philosophy. When it comes to running I know I want to improve and when it comes to other sports, I definitely want to try them out. But do I want to excericse or do I want to train? Or do I simply want to stay in shape? Or compete? I lean toward wanting to do all of these things and I imagine there is a balance to be achieved.

Some other questions I’ve been stewing over that provide a starting point for identifying a fitness philosophy are:

• Why do you work-out?
• What do you consider a good work-out?
• How do you feel after a work-out?
• How would you like to feel after a work-out?

Think about these questions with me. What is your fitness philosophy?