From Short-sighted to Long-term: How Age Shifted My Fitness Goals.

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I. Introducing "Bertie Bells".

A side project for this year has been to get a fun t-shirt designed. Selfishly as a casual uniform but also for clients as a fun training top.

The idea for "Bertie" was inspired by Miss Minutes from the TV series Loki but being "Strong For Life" is something I've been exploring for a while now.

It has a bit of a backstory, but I will do my best to limit my world-famous waffling. In early 2017, my life went through some major changes. I turned thirty, I started a new business venture in London, Jess and I had just bought our first flat, and best of all Jess gave birth to our first son, George. Bear in mind all these events happened within two weeks of each other...It was a tad busy.

Up until that point, my training & views on health had always been focused on the short term. It started with me joining the gym to get fitter for my martial arts training. Then, I joined the Royal Marines Reserves, and my training revolved around passing the Commando tests (or simply surviving the next field exercise, to be honest). It was all about achieving something right around the corner, and let me clarify, there's nothing wrong with that. However, things started to shift.

Becoming a Dad, as it is for most, was a huge shift in my identity and purpose. Even though it was still in the early stages, I started thinking more long-term about my training and health.

A friend and an amazing coach, Phil McDougall, explained how as we get older, what we "want" from our training and what we "need" from our training start to align. He called it the "Needs VS Wants" continuum.

In your 20s, you want beach muscles and sexy selfies. Maybe you should cut back on drinking and eating takeaways, but that's a lower priority. However, when you're in your 80s, you want to move well, be free from pain, and continue living life on your terms. Sexy muscles not so important.

I wanted to get stuck into being a Dad, leading by example, being in the arena playing, and exploring, never on the sidelines just watching. I also wanted to continue doing those things when George turns thirty. And looking even further ahead, why wouldn't I still want those things at 80?

Hence the name "Strong For Life".

You can also embrace your geeky side when defining what "being strong" means for your life, as it will inevitably look different for each of us.

Now, before I take myself too seriously, the T-shirt is also a bit of fun. However, it also gently reminds me of my focus and intent. Here is a quick look at the design in white. 🤗

II. A nice little neck stretch.

Does anyone else still have present wrapping left to do? Take a quick post-wrapping neck stretch with this guy. Hold for a few deep breaths and carry on.

P.S. I miss wrapping CDs and DVDs they were so much easier to wrap.

III. Dad Joke to ponder

What is every new parent's favourite Christmas song? Silent Night. 💤

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P.S. If you enjoyed this week's Thursday Three, share it with a friend.

Thanks,

Jamie