10 years in the making.
Find what works for you.
I have consistently been working out for 10 years. A full decade. ⅓ of my life. This is without a doubt the longest I’ve held interest in any “hobby,” or well, anything for that matter. It’s always been a singular sport, something I do just for me and on purpose. Yo, I have done all of it over the last ten years: bodybuilding, crossfit, powerlifting, running, biking, boxing, and at-home workout DVDs (I’m looking at you Ab Ripper X.) I’ve always varied my types of workouts but I’ve always been consistent in the action itself.
Are you having trouble finding something that works for you? Here are some starting points I like to propose to people trying to build their workout habit:
Reflect on why you’re choosing to put fitness into your life. This may take a minute. This is your choice. Not what the media or associates are telling you what you should do. Really try to get to the root of it.
How is your body feeling? It’s good to take note of factors like injuries, your last walk/jog, etc. If you’re listening to your body it will be easier to find what will work for you. It will also help professionals (like trainers) help you.
When you find something you want to try I challenge you to stick to it for at least 30 days. Doing something once or twice just is not enough to feel the effects and get a grasp on the new skill. You’ll know after you’ve committed to a new practice for 30 days if you want to continue. If you love what you’re doing, keep going.
Think of your month of new practice as a Z Pack. A Z Pack is medicine prescribed for you to take everyday for a certain amount of time. You have to finish your Z Pack if you want to feel better.
If you’re not following through, you will not see the end result.
I know I’m lucky that I love this, I know from talking to clients that so many people hate going to the gym, sweating, or just being sore. This is just a small piece of what happens when you start working out. This is that mental barrier you hear trainers talking about constantly. Once you can break through that you start noticing the changes. Once our mindsets change we have space to grow rapidly.
If you don’t enjoy your current workout program, find something that suits you better. If it’s not attainable and it’s not enjoyable you won’t stick with. If you love to walk, keep walkin’ boo! Pole? Dope. Squash? Weird, but ok. Do what makes you feel good and happy. But most importantly, stick with it, be positive and push yourself through the discomfort. Embrace all of the benefits and milestones that come along with it, mentally and physically.
Before you know it, 10 years will go by and you’ve made a healthy relationship with fitness.