Realistic goals
Make realistic goals. Two great goals are “To be more consistent” and “To have more energy” you can also have “Build more muscle” or have “Weight loss” as a goal. Remember that as you get stronger your weight might go up. It will take a while for your body chemistry to adjust so you must be patient. While I’m a big advocate of weighing oneself you can’t get caught up in the numbers. Numbers on the scale going up can mean a lot of things- water weight, muscle building or even constipation. Look for changes in how your clothes fit and how you feel (minus the soreness) Can you lift more than you could or go longer then you did the day before? These are great progress markers.
Beware
Avoid the comparison trap. I’ve seen some very fake weight loss Instagram profiles where it’s clear that surgery or some form of witchery was a factor. You can’t compare your progress and body type to people that have undergone surgical procedures. It’s also not possible to target weight loss on just one part of the body. The whole body will and must be affected. I have nothing against those that choose to have surgery for whatever fitness and health goals they may have. I just think it’s very disingenuous to pretend you lost weight over an abnormally short period of time and then try to market your product that you attribute to your weight loss. It’s so discouraging for people who are trying so hard and not seeing the results they want. If you are working out and want to follow someone on social media for inspiration, follow real people that demonstrate a consistent commitment to working out and eating properly. Their accounts will be filled with videos of them training and real health tips. Remember that your body needs time to change. You may lose weight and have excess skin for a while depending on how fast you lose weight. Take your time and be patient with your body.
Groups and accountability
Find a partner or group that will help to push you or keep you accountable. Sometimes group workouts can really boost your motivation. You have people to challenge you and compete with. I’ve always trained in different seasons with groups either being trained or training others and it’s always been fun. Try to pick people that will inspire you to push harder rather then quit or cancel on you. Even if you can’t physically meet you can let each other know when you have finished your workout. My friend and I have been doing this for months and it’s been so helpful. When one of us sends that text “Workout done” It reminds and inspires the other to make sure time is set aside for that. On the odd day when we are sore or not feeling well we can encourage each other and take a rest day. We have grace for each other but we also are personally responsible for what we have to do.
What are some techniques you have to make the most out of your body?
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