20 Years of Working Out: My Secret to Staying in Shape

You can still be healthy and in shape without six-pack abs

I’ve been working out regularly since I was 17. That’s 20 years. I can still wear my first suit that I bought in college.

Look, I’m no Instagram model, nor do I have the ambition to look that way. I honestly don’t get why all these people are obsessed with the way they look.

You can still be healthy and in shape without six-pack abs.

I struggled with my weight in my teens. But once I figured out this, I managed to keep the same weight and improve my strength / stamina.

The key to consistently working out is making sure you have an emotional payoff.

This is what makes it easier to be consistent with your exercise. By doing something small each day that made you feel good. Even when things get tough and busy.

My routine is simple and I’ve never followed any “scientific” protocols. My philosophy is that simple is better than perfect.

I work out 4 to 5 days a week. And I either do cardio or a strength training day. Never both on the same day. I always feel good during my workouts and after. I never destroy myself.

And if I can’t work out? Then I go for a 30 to 60 minute walk.

Even when I’ve been sitting all day and I don’t feel like taking that walk — I do it. And I always feel better afterward.

That’s the key.

Know your why

Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. That will ensure it will be sustainable for you. And that it will be worth it.

If you’re exercising for superficial reasons, you likely won’t hit your goal. Because your “why” may be the only thing pulling you towards action when you don’t feel like it.

Remember that you’re doing all this for yourself. Epictetus said it well:

“How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?”

What Epictetus meant was that if we wanted to live our best lives, we should also be in the best versions of…