A common phrase I hear and use is finding or getting the ‘balance’ in our lives particularly when it comes to diet and exercise. Actually, everything in life needs balance to work well if you think about it. What do I mean by ‘balance’ you may ask? This is a valid and interesting question. If you look up the dictionary meaning of the word balance you will come across many different ways to use this word however, each really comes to a general meaning of being level, even or a coming together in harmony if you like.

In life, we have so many choices, distractions, influences, habits and so much going on. As individuals we make choices and decisions based on many different scenarios and these choices and decisions influence much of what we do, how we act, react, feel, eat, sleep and the general state of our health and wellbeing. This is what I am talking about when I say ‘getting the balance’. If we make a decision about anything that is not quite right or that goes against the grain then we increase the likelihood of getting out of balance or ‘out of whack’.

In terms of fitness and health balance is really important to maintaining and sustaining good levels of fitness, clarity and being in shape. I see a lot of people who discover the fitness world only to become obsessive and overdo things which definitely is not a good thing and not only leads to imbalance in life but also will set them up for potential injury and failure in their pursuit of a fitter body. The same can be said for eating. Let’s face it – there are more diets available today than anyone could choose in a lifetime of eating. Why do we struggle to get it right when there is so much information available to us? I think I just answered my own question! Sometimes too much of something is not a good thing and that also includes information.

Speaking from experience I can say that like everyone else in this world I constantly have to work hard with getting across that elusive tightrope without falling off; however, when I do manage to glide across with ease and yes that does happen every now and again….I can say in full confidence that not only does it feel awesome but it is (like anything in life when you know how) really quite easy. So why can’t we always be in synch? Or why can’t we always feel amazing, choose amazing and be amazing when it is not so hard? If I had a true answer for that question I think you could call me God or Buddha or whoever else you hold as the higher power! What I do believe however, is that we humans are a pretty complicated bunch and we have some pretty ingrained habits which are usually the negative sort and yes unfortunately these negative habits mostly apply to eating, exercise and self care.

I believe balance is something we each need to chase and constantly work on in all areas of our lives, particularly in regard to eating and exercise because when this aspect is balanced everything else certainly works much better.