We’re told a whole lot about what exercise is supposed to be these days…
- hard
- needing lots of motivation
- always have an aspiration / goal
- requiring raising before the crack of dawn and disciplining oneself
I am ashamed to admit that two years ago when I got into the fitness business and founded TotalBodyLab – I used to preach and practice a lot of the same things. But it’s true.
No wonder I burnt out! So do my “best” clients who start off with doing EVERYTHING TO THE T according to the plan.
Most people start working out to address their body image concerns even though a real place to address them would be therapist’s office… Unfortunately for my clients (and fortunately for me) – therapy isn’t included into my services…
More on what a personal trainer is and isn’t in this article.
If one sees exercise as a way to address their body dysmorphia (“I’m too fat to be happy!” & other beliefs connecting the way one’s body is with their mental state) – they are in for an unpleasant surprise. Getting “a dream body” typically leads to realization that it’s NOT AFFECTING one’s happiness as much as expected! One who was so into the program the coach has carefully crafted for them is shocked, upset and depressed to be the same inside after the outside has changed – and gives up on maintaining a healthy, nutritious diet and exercise as a result. Friends and family have another example to reassure their concerns that working out too much isn’t good and “all diets lead to crashes”.
That’s a result of one exercising for the WRONG REASONS. However there is one word that can turn the situation around. Even when your goal is – to lose a couple lbs and “tone up” for a summer… have you thought of making your nutrition and exercise regimen
enjoyable!?
I’ve made my point, thanks for reading.
Honestly, I could finish here. But the reader is unconvinced. How does enjoyable exercise differ from the “sweating dessert out”!? How am I supposed to “measure my success” without any concrete goals?
Don’t I NEED TO do 180 min of cardio a week even if I hate it?
I mean in a perfect world – yeah, but we’re not robots. What matters the most is – how likely are you going to stick to that “perfect plan” and after how long are you gonna say “fuck it, I’m ordering pizza!”
