Embarking on a fitness journey is often perceived as a path to better health and wellness, leading many of us to explore various workout trends and exercise regimens.
As a self-proclaimed wellness enthusiast, I've eagerly embraced different fitness modalities, from trendy exercise classes to rigorous workout routines, with the belief that staying active equates to optimal well-being. However, despite dedicating a chunk of my daily routine to consistent workouts my efforts had not significantly transformed my body composition, and by transformation, I don't merely refer to weight loss. My goal was to shed fat and build muscle mass to achieve a leaner, fitter physique. So, why did I struggle to achieve this desired outcome?
This challenged my assumptions about fitness and its impact on my overall health.
Why Do You Need a Sustainable Workout Plan?
One of the greatest hurdles in adopting (or maintaining) an exercise regimen is what I term "fitness resistance"—a reluctance to embrace fitness in the form of a sustainable workout routine or program. It's not about adhering to unrealistic gym routines, calorie-counting, eliminating entire food groups, or subjecting oneself to strict diets.
Can you envision a life devoid of occasional indulgences or sweet treats? When crafting a workout plan, it's essential to ponder whether you can sustain it five or ten years down the line. If arriving at an answer takes considerable contemplation, it's likely not a sustainable routine. Such plans often lead to temptation to deviate from the regimen, which can be detrimental to both physical health and overall well-being.
Find a Workout that Works for You
How can I tailor workouts to suit my needs? How do I personalize my plan to accommodate my lifestyle, track my progress without triggering unhealthy eating patterns, and sustain a positive relationship with my mental health and body image?
Achieving this balance may seem daunting, but here are five strategies I've employed to mend my relationship with exercise routines and integrate them seamlessly into my wellness routine, without letting them dominate my entire day.
01 - Track Progress, Not Perfection
Instead of obsessing over every calorie burned or every pound lost, focus on non-scale victories and progress markers such as increased energy levels, improved mood, or enhanced performance in workouts. Personally, I found success by setting functional goals that facilitated easier and healthier tracking of results, while also yielding tangible outcomes that boosted my motivation levels.
Rather than fixating on weight loss or dramatic body transformations, concentrate on attainable and sustainable objectives such as enhancing strength, boosting endurance, or improving overall well-being. Setting realistic expectations can make all the difference.
02 - Find a Form of Movement You Enjoy
Whether it's weight lifting, kickboxing, yoga, or dance, discovering an exercise that brings you joy can significantly impact your perception of fitness. Engaging in activities that you genuinely enjoy can shift your mindset from viewing exercise as a chore to embracing it as a positive experience.
Tailor your workouts to fit your lifestyle and preferences. Choose activities that you enjoy and are more likely to stick with a incorporate variety to keep things interesting.
03 - Prioritize Nutrition and Healthy Eating Habits
Let's aim for balance in our fitness and diet choices, steering clear of extremes. Be flexible with your workout routine and enjoy your favorite foods in moderation. Fill your plate with a variety of wholesome, nutrient-packed foods to fuel your body right. Diet trends often push us into a cycle of "all or nothing," leaving us feeling defeated and doubting our ability to stick with anything. Remember, exercise isn't about earning your meals—it's about nourishing your body.
Focus on feeling good and forget about chasing weight loss as the main goal. By focusing on nutrient-rich foods and finding balance, we can build a healthier relationship with both food and exercise. Remember, one doesn't have to come at the cost of the other.
04 - Avoid Monotony and Change-Up the Intensity:
To prevent the dread that can come with each exercise session and minimize the risk of injury, it's crucial to avoid monotony and vary the intensity of your workouts. Pushing yourself to 100% effort in every session may seem like the way to go, but it can actually have adverse effects. Not only does it make you dread your workouts, but it also increases the likelihood of getting injured. Incorporating variety in your workouts by mixing up the intensity levels can help keep things interesting and reduce the strain on your body.
Remember, balance is key—listen to your body and adjust the intensity accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable exercise experience.
05- Rest Days and Warm Ups
It's tempting to become engrossed in the exhilaration of rigorous workouts and the urge to continually push our boundaries. However, it's crucial to acknowledge the significance of rest days, which are just as vital as active training sessions. These periods provide our bodies with the necessary time to repair and rebuild muscle fibers, replenish energy levels, and safeguard against overexertion. Failing to allow for ample rest increases the likelihood of fatigue, diminished performance, and a heightened risk of injury.
It's essential to adopt a long-term perspective. Progress isn't instantaneous; it requires patience and understanding. Embrace the concept of achieving fitness goals as a gradual journey rather than a rapid sprint. Practice self-compassion by incorporating rest days into your routine and heeding your body's signals for rest and recuperation.
By implementing these strategies, you can create workouts that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle and promote a healthy relationship with food, mental health, and body image. Remember, fitness should enhance your life, not consume it entirely. Finding a balance that works for you is key to long-term success and well-being.
Love,
Rae
Image Credits - Kool Shooters
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