Everyone's Frenemy: The Gym!
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I have always struggled with my weight and with how I see myself. No matter how hard I felt like I was trying, I was never losing the weight. Though I meal prepped constantly and thought I was doing something good, I never really saw a change. I used to go to the gym maybe 1 to 2 times a month if I was lucky. I hated going to the gym. It just felt so daunting. I hated the way I looked in all my clothes but yet I still would turn around and order that greasy burger with a side of fries.
While I was in my funk a few months back, I realized the only place I could find any peace and release any anger/energy was at the gym. I started to force myself to go even on the days when I really didn’t want to. I made sure to always pack my gym clothes the night before and change 5 minutes before getting off of work to ensure that I actually went. And you know what? It actually became a habit. I slowly noticed a difference but then eventually everyone at work started to notice too.
I think I really began noticing the change when I would put my clothes on a noticed the sizing began to feel different. That alone was the fire under my bottom to really kick start it all. Finally seeing clothes fit me in the way they’re actually supposed to lay on your body almost made me cry. Slowly but surely I learned to love my body and seeing the change made it worth every squat. For the first time in a long time, I felt beautiful.
I started to plan my workouts and my rest days and realized with how easy it all came. My eating habits began to slowly change too. In time, I felt stronger because I was working out and nourishing my body with the right stuff. I didn’t change my diet completely. Don’t worry guys, I’m still a foodie! I’m just more conscious about my portion sizes.
People also ask “what are you doing? What is your secret?” and to be honest, it’s really just doing it. I now make working out a priority. If I really want a healthier body, I realized that no one else is going to do it for me, except me!
Getting fit is definitely one of those things that takes time. It doesn’t happen over night unfortunately but the journey to get to where you want to be will be worth it. When you start slowly seeing your progress, it’ll be worth it. Take the baby steps that you need and don’t let anyone tell you that the way you’re doing is wrong or there’s a better way. I did it my way and to be honest, I think that’s what works. Find your groove and before you know it, you’ll have already formed your good habits to keep going strong!
Some of My Favorite Tips For Getting into the Fitness Game:
Always have a water bottle to stay hydrated ( I have my 3 hydroflasks: 1 at the office, 1 in my backpack and 1 near my bedside)
Pre plan your workout gear for a couple days so you’re not scrambling
Have healthy snacks that you actually like so you’re not tempted to indulge in candy
Pre plan your work out for the week (including rest days) I find this to be helpful so when I go to the gym, I know exactly what I’m doing that day
Left: September 2017, Right: August 2019