This month in mindset we talked about the pros and cons of weighing in while on our weight loss journey. One of the biggest cons being how it can affect our mindset about our bodies. There is something that we can do to counteract that affect if it should happen. OK, let’s be honest…WHEN it happens, because it will happen at some point to just about everyone who is trying to drop excess fat, whether they ever step on a scale or not.
One of the best things we can do for our body image is to move our bodies more. As we move more, we are able to move more. It is a beautiful cycle.
Often this is difficult at first. We feel fat. We are self-conscious about the state our body is in. It may be uncomfortable for us to move, or even down-right painful. We might not fit into clothing very well and our thighs might rub together when we walk. We may feel so tired that we just cannot imagine getting exercise in on top of everything else that we have to do.
Part of the process of achieving weight loss success is determining why we want to lose weight in the first place. This is a good time to remind ourselves of that why and keep in front and center in our mind. That can help motivate us to move just a little more.
Whether you want to lose weight so you can play with your kids or grandkids, so you can enjoy more activities, or live a longer life, picture clearly that desire in your mind and allow it to energize you into moving. Even if for today it is just one step. Take each day and each step one at a time.
Measuring your success by the end goal of being able to run a marathon or hike a mountain or riding your bike 15 miles or whatever you see as a big fitness goal is like measuring your success at losing weight only by achieving your goal weight. Instead, measure your success as you progress on the path. Did you get out today? Success. Did you do more than yesterday? Success.
While moving the scale around the bathroom floor looking for the sweet spot may not be exercise, there are plenty of things you can do to move your body that will help you reach your fitness goals—even if you are so out of shape that you just don’t think it is possible.
Start where you are in terms of fitness level and do not judge your progress based on anyone but yourself. If you need to sit down for most or all of your exercise time, then do that—and move your arms as vigorously as possible.
- Set a timer and exercise for 5 minutes.
- Remember to breathe while you exercise.
- Get a DVD that you can exercise to.
- Watch your form—develop the proper postures now to prevent injury.
- Mix it up so you work different muscles.
- If you don’t feel like exercising today, tell yourself “just 1 minute”…often if we do that we’ll go for 5 or 10 or 15 or more.
- Be realistic about what your body can handle—that means don’t think you cannot do anything just because of your size, but also don’t try to squeeze through a hole that is smaller than you are.
- Have fun! Moving your body can be fun—sure you might sweat a bit, but you can also laugh!
- Get outside at least once a week—the sun and fresh air will fuel your spirit as much as help your body.
- Get it done early in the day so you can check it off your list! Then anything you do later is a bonus.
This month in mindset we talked about the pros and cons of weighing in while on our weight loss journey. One of the biggest cons being how it can affect our mindset about our bodies. There is something that we can do to counteract that affect if it should happen. OK, let’s be honest…WHEN it happens, because it will happen at some point to just about everyone who is trying to drop excess fat, whether they ever step on a scale or not.
One of the best things we can do for our body image is to move our bodies more. As we move more, we are able to move more. It is a beautiful cycle.
Often this is difficult at first. We feel fat. We are self-conscious about the state our body is in. It may be uncomfortable for us to move, or even down-right painful. We might not fit into clothing very well and our thighs might rub together when we walk. We may feel so tired that we just cannot imagine getting exercise in on top of everything else that we have to do.
Part of the process of achieving weight loss success is determining why we want to lose weight in the first place. This is a good time to remind ourselves of that why and keep in front and center in our mind. That can help motivate us to move just a little more.
Whether you want to lose weight so you can play with your kids or grandkids, so you can enjoy more activities, or live a longer life, picture clearly that desire in your mind and allow it to energize you into moving. Even if for today it is just one step. Take each day and each step one at a time.
Measuring your success by the end goal of being able to run a marathon or hike a mountain or riding your bike 15 miles or whatever you see as a big fitness goal is like measuring your success at losing weight only by achieving your goal weight. Instead, measure your success as you progress on the path. Did you get out today? Success. Did you do more than yesterday? Success.
While moving the scale around the bathroom floor looking for the sweet spot may not be exercise, there are plenty of things you can do to move your body that will help you reach your fitness goals—even if you are so out of shape that you just don’t think it is possible.
Start where you are in terms of fitness level and do not judge your progress based on anyone but yourself. If you need to sit down for most or all of your exercise time, then do that—and move your arms as vigorously as possible.
· Set a timer and exercise for 5 minutes.
· Remember to breathe while you exercise.
· Get a DVD that you can exercise to.
· Watch your form—develop the proper postures now to prevent injury.
· Mix it up so you work different muscles.
· If you don’t feel like exercising today, tell yourself “just 1 minute”…often if we do that we’ll go for 5 or 10 or 15 or more.
· Be realistic about what your body can handle—that means don’t think you cannot do anything just because of your size, but also don’t try to squeeze through a hole that is smaller than you are.
· Have fun! Moving your body can be fun—sure you might sweat a bit, but you can also laugh!
· Get outside at least once a week—the sun and fresh air will fuel your spirit as much as help your body.
· Get it done early in the day so you can check it off your list! Then anything you do later is a bonus.
