It’s safe to say, we all got a little lax with our fitness and health goals in quarantine last year. Ok, maybe not all of us. But I know I certainly got carried away with huge bags of popcorn and snack binges to pass the time.
Now that we know we’ve adjusted to the jolt that was for everyone, I’m back to committing to myself and my health daily no matter the turn of events.
Here’s what I’m doing to stay balanced, focused and becoming my own body goals: (This is not professional advice)
— First and most importantly, I listen to my body and what it is trying to tell me before I consult with anyone online or in general. That applies here for you too. 😉
— I don’t follow any fad diets. I eat to fuel not to fill. I eat consciously, colorfully and with intention. I keep it balanced daily, and I research what foods to eat based on how I’m feeling that week, or where I am in my cycle before ordering my groceries. 🛒 🥦
— I only drink water. I no longer crave the other stuff. 💧
— I abstain from sugars with the exception of that one special week of the month. I double up on water that week to balance it out. I allow this so that I’m not cranky with clients that week due to the hormone shifts that take place, plus let’s also be realistic. 🍫🤤
— Daily Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) shots to burn fat and regulate my digestive system. A balanced gut is important because it is also your second brain. An ACV shot day, keeps the foggy brain [and sluggishness] at bay. 🧠🍎🥃
— I spend time in the mirror telling my body what I would like to see. This activates the intention within me. And then I do workouts that focus on the areas I want to see change. (I also make sure to love on what I see regardless. Dear Back Fat, its time we go our separate ways, but I’ll love you for as long as you’re here. 😉)🪞✨
— I don’t use scales because they can be misleading in measuring muscle growth. I just measure my progress by what I see. It may seem like this comes easy for me, but I gain weight like the next person.
— I workout for at least 15 minutes, 3-5 times a week. The key is to make it a lifestyle not a chore, and 15 minutes is my sweet spot. I also know that mornings work best for my flow. I listen to Abraham Hicks or high vibrational music while doing this. This makes it something I look forward to. 🔆
— I workout anywhere. Whether at my community gym, or just walking up a hill to see a view in the mornings. (When I had a car, I intentionally parked in the furthest spot and walked. And I opted for the stairs as often as it made sense. I also lunge instead of walk when no one is looking 😄.) 🌄📍
— I’m consistent. My body knows I need it, so I let my body lead me. I don’t think about it. I just put my shoes on and before I know it, I’m there. Even on days I’m not working out, I’m stretching. This burns fat, regulates blood flow, and releases tension that could potentially prevent me from being consistent. 👟🤸🏾♀️
— I dance… a lot! Including on the treadmill (not recommended). It is important to me that working out be FUN! So I make it that way. 💃🏽
— When all else fails, I keep images of @nikimurphy in my mind, because I’m committed to looking like her at 80. 😂😍
— One of my favorite fitness pages to follow (I don’t follow many) is @qui2health. I’ll bookmark a workout of her and her daughter that I want to try later when I’m out of ideas or areas of focus.
— While I use them both as motivation, I don’t pressure myself to look like anyone other than myself. I’m happy with the results I see, and I’m choosing to love me daily regardless. I believe our bodies respond to this type of love.
It may appear like things are easy for someone “shaped like” me or whatever you may be perceiving. But the truth is, we are all body conscious to some extent and you really just have to listen to your inner voice, love yourself through it, and find what works for you.
Comparing your results to someone else’s is not wise and will leave you inconsistent and discouraged. Fall in love with yourself and the process, make it a lifestyle and you will see a change.
If you’re having trouble seeing results or sticking to your goals, also consider eating according to your blood type, consulting a personal trainer and/or nutritionist, creating a plan with your doctor.
Also consider in what ways previous trauma may be limiting your progress. Whether it’s from storing it in your body and thus packing on unwanted weight, or storing it in your subconscious, thus creating limiting beliefs about your worth and what’s possible to you.
There’s also genetics, which can often be a hindrance. However, I’m a believer that addressing trauma can lead to results here even if it’s just loving all parts of you, including what comes with being of your unique bloodline.
Fitness is one of the many passions that has lead me into life coaching. I studied personal training in college, while supervising at our campus gym, and I continue to stay current on what is new and healthy in the research for my own personal journey.
Still, this is not advice. It may not be for everyone. And it may make a million personal trainers cringe. I do not offer fitness coaching. But I’m sharing what works for me, in the hopes that it motivates someone else to start to move intuitively toward a healthy lifestyle that works for them. Take what’s valuable/resonates and chuck the rest.
Ciao for now!
-Bex
