When I was 25 I weighed 148 pounds, I was at 28% body fat, and I wore a size 10-12. Now I am 30, I weigh 145-148 pounds, I am at 18% body fat, and I wear a size 4-6. My body is 100% different, and because the scale was not showing the true progress I used my pants and bra size as a measure and once a week I would stand in front of a mirror and take inventory on how my body looks and most importantly feels. I am stronger, I am in great cardiovascular shape, I am able to do walking lunges without falling over, I can do 30 push ups on my feet without pushing from my trapezoids, and when I do a v-up my middle to upper vertebra all come off the ground. Now this is the kind of progress that tells you if a program is working.
Lets take inventory of how our clothes are fitting and how we truly look and feel. Though it's a scary thing, take a look at yourself in the mirror. Take notes on how you look from head to toe. This is where you can tell your true results. It's not always about the scale.
It takes time yes, and even myself can get a bit impatient. However, sometimes it's just not the scale that will be the measure. It has been a constant process for me to be happy with my body, and it truly never stops. Honestly, I just try to enjoy the entire process of pushing myself further than I thought I could. Yes, I want a six pack and more mass in my back and to get into a pair of skinny jeans. However, working towards these goals is what the true process is all about. Though it's an annoying truth, it's not about the end result! It is about the effort that goes into achieving the end result that determines the size of our progress.
We all know that every day will present an obstacle that may deter us from our goals. It's up to us to make fitness a priority, but to do it with realistic expectations and intelligent actions.
I want you all to have fun with exercise and working hard to get to the place where you are most happy and confident in your own skin. I want you to enjoy the process. I want you to be able to recognize the small steps of true progress. Pay attention to how you perform a squat compared to the first time we met. Take notes on your push ups. Track your cardio workouts and how your endurance is improving. Notice how you feel in that special dress or pair of pants and how you walk into a room. Are you more confident and sure of yourself? Are you less insecure in front of your mate? Or your group of friends?
I know that the scale is a tangible item that can mark your progress in the gym, but as we build more muscle we might just gain weight, or just stay the same. That's why it's important to pay attention to the fit of our clothes, our body fat composition, our physical progress, and how we feel about ourselves. Muscle weighs more than fat! My goal is to change you from the inside out! Plain and simple. I am not just after a pretty body, but a strong mind and well balanced physique that aches less and moves more!
Look in the mirror at yourself with an open mind and notice the small steps of progress and change. I truly believe that long lasting results are those that are achieved by working hard, consistently, intensely, and intelligently.
See you in the gym.............
No comments:
Post a Comment