BY COACH NADIA POPOVA
Let’s be honest; many people embark on their fitness journey with the primary goal of losing weight to conform to societal standards or because it’s on-trend. Of course, there are highly conscious individuals who approach physical exercise mindfully, recognizing its significance for a full-fledged and happy life. Today, I’d like to delve into why working out of love for your body is crucial, as opposed to doing it out of discontent. Additionally, I’ll share some tips to make your fitness journey more manageable and fulfilling.
Why Should You Work Out Fueled by Love Rather Than Hate?
The motivation behind our workouts plays an essential role in shaping not only our physical but also our mental well-being. To benefit your body through exercise, you must acknowledge that working out is an act of self-love, not a form of punishment. Otherwise, you may spend countless hours exhausting yourself in the gym, developing a dislike for anything related to sports. Even if you achieve your short-term goals, consistency may be a challenge, leading to a rebound effect.
- Learning to Love Your Body through Movement Exercise should be a celebration of what your body can achieve, not a punishment for what you ate or how you look. Start shifting your mindset and celebrating your capabilities, and in no time you will notice how your entire fitness journey will become more enjoyable and exciting. Approach each workout as an opportunity to express gratitude for your body’s strength, endurance, flexibility, and so on.
- Treat working out as a mental well-being practice You have probably already heard that physical activity is beneficial not only to our bodies but for our mental well-being. When we are working out, and especially if we are engaging in something we love, for example, dancing, hiking, weightlifting, and so on, our bodies release endorphins — the feel-good hormones that also reduce stress and anxiety. If you stop punishing yourself with workouts and start treating them as stress relief practice, you will certainly enjoy an overall improvement in your emotional state. 3. Stop comparing yourself to others. It’s easy to fall into self-hatred with the omnipresent Hollywood-imposed and social media-nurtured beauty standards telling us that regular bodies other than size 0 are unattractive. The only way to break the vicious cycle of hating yourself and thinking that those celebrities look so much better than you is to stop comparing yourself to them. You should always remember that everybody is unique, and working out is not about emulating someone else’s body or adhering to a standardized notion of beauty. Instead, it’s about embracing your body’s individuality and appreciating the progress you make on your terms.
- Aim for consistency and sustainability When we view exercise as a form of self-love, we’re more likely to develop sustainable habits and stay committed. Punishment-based workouts often lead to burnout and a negative association with physical activity. On the contrary, when we engage in activities that bring us joy and make us feel good, we’re more likely to stick with them in the long run. It’s not about following a strict regimen; rather, it’s about finding joy in movement. Whether it’s a morning yoga session, an evening jog, or a dance class, choose activities that resonate with you. When you enjoy what you do, consistency will be forthcoming.
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