I have been in the fitness industry for many years and have come across many different people. People from all walks of life, each trying to become the best version of themselves. With the many people I meet and train, the different meanings of fitness remains a big question.
The perception of being fit does not mean one must have a skinny, perfect, flawless physique, because it simply does not exist. Being fit does not only mean physical health, but emotional and mental health too. It is the ability to carry out or perform daily tasks without undue fatigue.
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For some, fitness means getting active to merely feel good about themselves, some love the interaction with others, some want to escape to a feel-good moment where they are in control, some merely want to improve their cardiovascular system or physical health. We are all different and we strive towards different goals we have set for ourselves. There can never be a ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to fitness.
Fitness has many layers, which often challenges one psychologically. The most common is:
Lack of time
Lack of motivation and / or energy
Lack of resources / equipment
Family caregiving obligation
My advice would be to make a start, no matter how small the steps you take. A start remains a start. A step remains a step. Make the decision for yourself and only yourself. Make a list of what your reasons are for wanting to better yourself physically, emotionally and mentally.
Grace yourself with a time frame and remember to always be kind to yourself. Realise it won’t always be easy, but doable. Try your best to be consistent and have discipline.
Remind yourself that you can and will take it on day at a time. Many people have the misconception that deeming yourself fit must be attached to a gym membership.
Taking your dog for a walk, walking to the shops instead of driving (deeming that it’s safe to do so), deciding to take the stairs instead, going for a jog, are all forms of exercise. Quality over quantity is important to remember.
Being / wanting to become fit is the one thing that is irrespective of age, gender, background or profession. For a lot of my clients, fitness means life. They can’t imagine not exercising. Some need more encouragement than others; some you need to know when to let them be and try again tomorrow.
For some it’s coming together as a group on a social level, feeling and experiencing the support and encouragement of others. Not to mention the cherry on the cake, which is the chats over a cup of coffee or 2 after training. When it comes to embarking on one’s fitness journey, encouragement should never be in short supply.
Never force what society deems as being fit on others. It’s a different journey for all of us and should be respected and encouraged as such. Set realistic and attainable goals. Always be gentle, patient and kind to yourself. Realise that any journey has its challenges, with ups and downs. Believe there is always room for improvement without judgement.
Focus on bettering yourself as an individual, knowing it won’t always be easy, but doable.
It is important to remember that embarking on one’s fitness journey requires us to make better food choices. It does go hand in hand with striving to be your best self. I personally, as I am sure many others, have realised how Covid-19 has affected us mentally, physically and emotionally. Let us all strive to take better care of our health, regardless of what that may mean to us as individuals.
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