How to Love Your Fitness Level Right Now
By Genevieve Cunningham
Self-hatred is way too easy, especially when we're talking about our bodies. Everyone hates something about their own body -- whether it's the amount of fat, the lack of muscle, their skin, or a million other aspects of their appearance. But when it comes to fitness, we don't actually have to hate the moment -- or the process. In fact, it's entirely possible to love the fitness level you're at right now. To love the struggle and the effort and the direction you're heading. If you need a little help loving where you're at, take a look at these tips to get you moving in the right direction.
Don't Go Overboard
When you finally find the motivation to improve your health and fitness, it's tempting to go all in. To throw out all the junk, work out harder than ever, and devote yourself to your fitness plan. The problem is that this is hardly a plan at all. It's a panic. A frenzy. A hope for a quick fix. But in the long run, this approach very rarely works! A much better option is to take it slow and steady. Get a little bit of exercise every day, but don't go crazy. Make improvements to your diet, but just one thing at a time. This allows the change to settle in; it allows you a chance to actually enjoy it! With this approach, you're more likely to find success that feels good and lasts long-term.
Celebrate Success
One of the most important steps in any fitness or healthy living plan is to celebrate success. Don't wait until you've lost 50 pounds -- celebrate now at five pounds! Celebrate your week-long workout streak. Celebrate the small victories along the way. By celebrating the small victories, it's easier to keep yourself motivated. Easier to start again when you've slipped up. Easier to see that each day is small progress. If you learn to celebrate the small things, you'll learn to love yourself and the process along with it.
Getting fit, getting in shape, getting healthy -- these shouldn't be things that we dread. These shouldn't be things that make us feel discouraged. Use these tips to love where you're at in your fitness journey, and you'll be in the best health of your life -- and happier than ever -- in no time at all.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Clemente, Calif.