Last weekend, I visited Scarborough. Very nice I hear you say. It was a nice day and the sun was out too.
What has that got to do with fear, you are now asking?
Well, I decided to try out the new Rib Rider, an experience ‘not for the faint-hearted’! This was faster than a speedboat and involved lots of sudden, quick turns. The mere sight of people actually putting on life jackets scared me somewhat. Life jackets weren’t required for the speed boat rides. What was in store? I stood for about 10 minutes, looking at the signs again and again then looking at the people coming off the Rib Rider. Did they look terrified? Yes, some did!
I was about to just go and sit in the sun and read my book, abandoning the Rib Rider. I was fearful of it. It was out of my comfort zone. Being in my comfort zone is so much better, I can tell you.
A voice in my head told me to confront my fear and pay for the ride. So, I paid the guy and received my ticket – for the scariest ride in the world – well, that’s what I thought it was! There was no turning back now – or was there?!
I queued and started to panic. Were the other people in the queue scared too? I couldn’t tell. I started to breathe deeply and was trying to relax, all to no avail.
The Rib Rider was docking along with the dozen victims it had just taken out to fling around and make them white in their cheeks.
I climbed on board and held on tightly to the bar in front of me. It moved off into the vast sea. It was very slow so at this point, I was thinking ‘how tame’. But then, all of a sudden, it shot away in what felt like 100 miles an hour (probably only 50!). I panicked even more now as the vehicle stormed further into the sea. I couldn’t breathe properly. My fear had grown and there was nothing I could do about it now. I thought I was going to hyperventilate!
But then, things changed for the better. I told myself that this was actually fun. I was safe as the driver wasn’t about to put people in danger. He was an expert. Plus, I had a life jacket so why was I fearful? I then really enjoyed the experience and I was proud of myself for facing my fears head on.
What has this got to do with health and fitness?
Well, I believe that starting an exercise or nutrition programme can be equally as scary, especially if you haven’t exercised for a long time or your diet has been decidedly poor.
You are fearful of putting your body through the mill. You are apprehensive about eating new foods. You’re not sure if you can give up all of the nice sugary snacks.
Why not tell yourself – you know, that voice inside your head – you can change. You can eat healthy foods. You can introduce exercise into your life. You can dedicate time to getting fit and healthy.
Overcome your fears, like I did, and that decision will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
Eat well, get active and live a long, healthy life.