Who are you serving when you workout
Yourself or the society
“I have been reflecting on the societal pressure to strive for a “new body” during the new year, especially considering the challenges of the past year. “
Have you ever noticed that people are more vulnerable to extremes when they are stressed or scared?
You feel compelled to start a new diet, cleanse, detox, or an intense workout program.
At the beginning of the year, there was always this idea that people sign up for 30-day challenges, online bootcamps, and free trials for a fast slimmer body to shed the holiday weight.
As a result of all the holiday food on social media, there is guilt and shame.
This is to make quick money off people who are struggling with shame around their bodies
And have struggled for years.
With the idea that you can build a body that doesn’t look like yours in real life and attain a fitness goal in 30 days. SAD
When you start a quick program with no definite plan and without an intention to make yourself better, there is always exhaustion that follows. You are not even willing to try at all.
When we are under prolonged stress or have been through a period of guilt eating and not moving as much as we think we are required to,
You would find yourself holding onto something quickly to fix what you think is broken.
Or something that is always filled with bold promises that you have to go to the extreme and give up as quickly
Sounds familiar?
It is for a lot of people, and it has to do with how tired and vulnerable we are right now.
These extremes of focus are not useful in times like these.
Getting in the best shape of our lives can be really fun, but it is also a TON of work.
You need to practice for it, and most of us don’t even have the physical and emotional energy to train super intensely right now.
When we give up movement altogether, we often end up feeling like crap.
This is not only because our physical body stagnates but also because of the build-up of pent-up emotions.
You need to move your body and nourish it for many reasons, but it does not need to be this extreme or restrictive.
There is a better way for your body to feel more comfortable.
The truth is—the place of the most power is where you already are.
It is the change that is warmly and purposefully invited into the body and life you ALREADY HAVE that works.
The new year is filled with emotions, so take your time and start where you are.
I want to offer that newness is something we invite into our day. We do not have to reach for it but gently welcome it. Try something new,
Something easy, something that feels pleasant, and it is ok.
How does this work?
Let go of the big idea and start showing up just a little bit more for the body you have… yes, the one you are reading this in.
Bring just a touch more kindness and presence to the body you have right now.
Stop scrolling and feel yourself—Instagram won’t benefit from your attention but yours might.
Ask yourself— what could I do today to feel well?
What would energize, ground, center, or uplift me a little?
What would I enjoy? What do I need more of today?
Then?
Add a touch of body goodness to your daily routine.
Instead of some imagined day, perfectly ordered with a clean house and cute workout clothes, it’s your messy, complicated day.
So, from me to you— stop pushing yourself towards a “new” imaginary body.
NOURISH the one you HAVE, and YOU will start to feel better.
Love always
Chisom.
