Don’t have the body you desire? Check out why
By Pauline DiGiorgio
So you don’t exactly have the body that you lust for?
Here are the three reasons why you don’t:
Lack of knowledge
In this day and age, gearing yourself up with some basic facts on important health topics will fast- track you to success.
It’s as easy as a quick click and swipe to articles such as: “What is the proper nutrition for a healthy lifestyle?” “Ways to wellness” and a basic “How often should you be getting a sweat on?”
From there, you’ll be armed with “suggested” info that will help once you get past the ground level work.
My favorite way to get informed and updated on gems that keep me on top of my fitness game are through podcasts.
The trend for 2019 in terms of the best way to learn is through audio space. I really enjoy listening to “The Model Health Show” and “The Tim Ferris Show” while cooking, laundry or during commutes in the car.
Learning from other’s health journeys can inspire you as well as teach you something that can be used in your own daily routine.
I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I have learned from the comments that come in about how readers have no idea about nutritional value when it comes to what they were putting in their bodies.
May I remind you that nutrition is 80 percent of your overall health and weight-loss success?
This could make or break you, so invest in a good book, fire up some reliable online sources or make it a weekly habit to listen in on some podcasts!
Fear of failing
This reason could show up in many other avenues in your life, but when it comes to your health, it certainly is the most important to get over.
If you are trying and actually making an effort, it is better than nothing. In other words, start by getting off the couch and attending a group fitness class. You may not be able to keep up 100 percent, but just conquering the fear to show up will beat the person who stayed home to watch Netflix and chill.
You are then flexing a muscle that you can’t see. Every time you get past that little voice in your head telling you, “You’ll always stay fat” or “You’ll fail this diet like the last time,” you are making it easier, familiarizing yourself with the activity and strengthening your willpower to push through.
As far as tips on how to surpass that self-doubt, journaling is always an action I find works amazingly for self-reflection.
It really makes you look deep within yourself, possibly revealing the real issue of why you may be resisting being your potential best self.
Sometimes talking it out with a trusted loved clears up that inner Debbie Downer.
Belief that it’s attainable
“I haven’t been under 150 pounds since high school” or “I’ll never get through a spin class, it’s too hard!” are quotes from many regulars I see at the local gym.
I hear these types of lines all the time, and I am a firm believer that what you put out in the universe is what you get.
You’ve created in your mind a roadblock to your success.
You’ve fooled yourself just by saying you indeed cannot achieve the goal. Try this instead: Create a positive mantra, then an action behind it to follow.
Mantras are often overlooked, but very effective at developing new thought patterns. For example, you often have negative self-talk when you look in the mirror at the gym.
Change that nasty habit, be kind and make it a practice. You wouldn’t talk to your friends or family that way; now treat No. 1 the same.
Speak as if you are that strong, fit version of yourself already.
“You look strong and unstoppable today,” then chose an action to follow, like a “power pose”: Standing with your feet apart and hands on your hips, spread outward, chin and chest upward.
I like to think of it as taking up space versus being hunched over, shoulders down and feeling small.
Adopting this body language can change the way you see yourself and others as well and also reinforces confidence.
If you don’t believe in yourself, who else will?
• Pauline DiGiorgio is a fitness ambassador and Group X instructor at Retro Fitness gyms. Questions? Email her at ptlifts@gmail.com.