I would go through spates of milestones 'getting skinny for...' weddings, birthdays, performances. This yo-yo approach reflected the fact that I was always anticipating failure, the results would be short-term and I would resort back to being disappointed with myself, judging my body and its apparent flaws. I would then start the process again.
The change came when I reconsidered how I thought about exercise. If the word automatically generates a tired groan and eye-roll, then try re-framing it as 'Movement'. As soon as I recognised 'Movement' as essential for my physical and mental health, my life began to change.
Knowing your 'why' is important. Is it to fit into those trousers? To be able to take a flight of stairs without getting breathless? To keep up with the kids a bit easier? For me it was my well-
being. The chemical benefits of endorphin release along with a sense of achievement made me feel better about myself. I began to notice improved mindset and mood.
There is a misconception that people who train regularly 'just naturally love it'. This isn't necessarily the case, it usually comes down to consistency. You have to have a 'Day 1'. What would happen if you treated everyday as 'Day 1'? Make 'Movement' habitual and it can become automatic. Progress can become addictive.
It's essential to keep it interesting - you can start small. Take the stairs instead of the lift, go for a walk, dance around your bedroom - just move. Even if it's just a little bit. Move. Don't like doing things alone? Go to a class. Phone a friend. Literally. You can arrange to go to a class together. If you're 'not made of money' get a DVD from eBay, a charity shop, boot sale. There is a wealth of free workouts on YouTube. If the thought of leaving your home is unappealing or impractical, you can Skype/Facetime/WhatsApp call each other and do a 'live' workout together.
Sometimes we need to be accountable to others to stick to our goals and achieve our 'why'.
We always need to take action towards it.
Move. Feel good. Be proud.
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