I posted a video about this a while ago, but I wanted to go more into detail with this post! As grateful as I am for the lessons I’ve learned along my fitness journey, here are 5 things I wish I knew before I started working out.
- Stop comparing yourself to others. You can’t compare someone’s year 10 with your day 10. All of us are on different paths in our fitness journey! I remember I’d make myself feel so awful when I’d compare myself to another woman who had more experience and more strength than me. I felt so weak and inferior. I’ve learned to let go of comparison because it really is the thief of joy. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Now when I see strong woman, I look at them and realize if they can get that strong, so can I!
- No one is looking at you at the gym! I’d be so scared and self-conscious because I thought people were looking at me or making fun of me while I was working out. I realized most people don’t really care, and they’re more concerned about themselves any way. Even I’m so focused on my own workout that I hardly notice anyone in the gym. Even if someone is judging you, that says more about them than it does about you! Keep doing you, and keep working out!
- You’re stronger than you think! I remember my self-esteem was so low, and I thought very little of myself. I would still work out, but I had doubts that I would ever be strong. I’d also be scared to push myself because I didn’t think I could lift that weight, do more reps, or push myself further. I realized I was a lot stronger than I thought, and so are you! You are way more capable than you realize. Don’t sell yourself short!
- Movement is medicine. Exercise helped me get fitter, stronger, and more confident. It also improved my mood and mental health. If I ever had a bad day, I knew a workout was going to make me feel better. Working out keeps me grounded. It feels like a physical meditation, and it truly does keep me more balanced and sane.
- Work out because you love yourself and your body! When I initially started working out, I didn’t like my body. I still have my moments where I don’t feel comfortable in my own skin, but now I see working out as a form of self-love. It’s not punishment for not looking a certain way or for eating an indulgent meal. I’m grateful for what my body can do. Our bodies are amazing, and we will be in our bodies for the rest of our lives so be sure to love and care for it!
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