Exercise To LIVE, Don't LIVE To Exercise
“How often do you workout?”
~2y ago, I remember asking this to a trainer I admire. Her response: “twice a week” 🤔
At the time, I did NOT believe her. Other clients didn’t either. We assumed she worked out every day (like we all were at the time) to maintain her physique. *cough* all or nothing mentality.
NOW I GET IT - bc I get that question a lot. My response: “twice a week”
Nowadays, my goal is to spend the least amount of time in the gym & spend more time LIVING. Staying active but GETTING MORE doing WAY LESS ;)
BUT. Always a BUTT. Bear in mind that many trainers get to that point bc of the TIME (years)& EFFORT they dedicated in the past. It’s generally easier to maintain a particular physique and/or level of conditioning than it is to get there.
“Maintenance” is a kind of a hazy term. Because if we're being honest, it fluctuates & varies. As trainers—we have a decent understanding of the bod (I mean, the science is always evolving) & we know it changes. It’s designed to.
AND the answer changes - Some weeks, I’d say “once” & others “2 to 3”…
This past year I had to learn how to be flexible w my sched. Reprioritizing to accommodate being busier as I got more involved in diff organizations/communities, engaging in online platforms & starting a biz. In order to keep physical, mental, AND emotional balance, I’ve accepted that maintaining whatev perception what a #fitnesscoach look is, may take more energy than I can dedicate at times. & that’s OKAY. F that ideal.
The more you understand the need for flexibility to changing circumstances, the less you’ll feel the need to restrict/obsess over your behavior. THIS is key to achieving a “sustainable” & “healthy” lifestyle. Esp when, ya know, LIFE.
Diet culture/fitness/beauty industry puts emphasis on aesthetics to sell workout plans, quick fixes, etc. We make assumptions based on messaging we receive. I had to unlearn my *perception* - you CAN & SHOULD have a LIFE outside of exercise. It’s a tool that empowers you to LIVE BETTER.
Changing #bodycomp, getting stronger, working towards a goal takes TIME, but it’s literally a FOREVER process, so chill. Take the pressure off, just don’t give up.