There are a multitude of reasons that people are “not in shape”. In my case, I stopped working out due to a really crazy work schedule and never got back into it. This crazy schedule contributed to poorer eating habits, being more sedentary and having a lack of energy…which further contributed to not wanting to work out.
So here we are. I gained 15 llbs, lost all my muscle tone and overall…I’ve felt better about myself. People say I still “look great”, but that’s a tough pill to swallow when you don’t look like your normal self. The negative self talk tends to win anyway.
So what’s the hardest part about getting in shape? Starting. Once you cross the barriers of “I am too tired, too out of shape, too overweight, too far gone, don’t have time, can’t lose that last 5 llbs of baby weight” and just jump into the process, you have mastered half of the battle. But how do you get over that hump?
Start small: When we focus on the goal rather than the process it becomes overwhelming. They don’t call it baby steps for nothin! The idea of running a marathon when you can barely run a mile will make anyone give up before starting. Instead of focusing on losing 15 llbs, start with one. Instead of going on a crash diet, eliminate one item a day. And finally, rather than working out for hours at the gym, start with brisk walks for twenty minutes outside or on the treadmill. Not only will you start to feel good about getting that body moving, but you will soon want to do more!
Write a list: Studies have shown that writing lists of intent further us toward a goal. Per my comment earlier, you don’t need to write the end state goal. Write micro lists that focus on micro wins. For instance, on my list, I have added “Use rowing machine for 10 minutes 3 days a week”. Sounds simple enough, right? Actually this is a big step forward from “doing nothing” (which is where I am at today). Every day I add a list of 3 priorities to my daily planner. 3 days a week, rowing will be on it! Wish me luck :)
Stop comparing yourself: Comparing yourself to other people and their fitness journey is discouraging. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Blogs…most of the influencers are miles ahead of the average person when it comes to being fit. It makes sense- that’s their job. And that’s not to minimize the hard work they put in. There are also plenty of people who aren’t professional trainers and fitness models that have mastered the art of fitness. Good for them! But for the rest of us, comparing our journey to theirs is a losing battle. Your job is not to be anyone but yourself- the best version of yourself. Not the best version of somebody else. If we were all the same, life would be pretty boring! Don’t focus on anyone else’s journey but yours. But more importantly, all of our lives have differences and nuances. Focus on the life you need to lead for yourself and you will be much happier!
As I write these pieces of advice, I write them just as much for myself as anyone else who is struggling with the “Out of Shape Blues”. I hope you will join me on my journey of being a better version of myself. I know it won’t be easy but let’s commit to being better together!
Xoxo Beauties!
Melissa Bel