If you’re here on my blog, it probably means one of two things.
1: you’re a legend.
2: you partake in fitness but you’re not a competitive athlete. (Forgive me if I’m wrong).
The average person that I work with is not here to take life too seriously. Of course they have goals in mind – they want to be stronger, fitter, healthier, feel better, lift 100kg, get their first pull up… but they’re not here to train for the Olympics.
Whilst it’s important to take your training and recovery seriously, there is definitely a line we need to draw.
It’s very easy to get caught up in it all and feel like you’re not doing enough or feel sad when you see other people who are stronger or fitter than you, even when you don’t have a clue what they are training for or what their experience is. Trust me - I've been there.
But let me stop you right there.
This is not your career. You do not need to be the fittest or strongest person in the room. You don’t need to look “in shape” all year round or ever. (Whatever the f “in shape” is supposed to mean).
You don’t need to do anything. You are a human being with a lot going on. You have a life outside of the gym. You have priorities and commitments that mean that your training can’t always be your priority.
Your sole focus should be on setting realistic goals and reaching them in the most enjoyable and sustainable way. You should take care of your body and physical health in some way, but not everyone needs to take it to an advanced level.
I believe you should be fit, strong and mobile enough to do everything that you want to do – whether it’s carrying the shopping home or hiking at the weekend with your family. Everyone deserves that. Anything beyond that is great, but remember it’s ok to be ok with where you’re at right now. You’ve worked hard for it, enjoy it. Don’t be so focused on the next thing that you're not present to enjoy THIS right now. There is a younger you who would be blown away by what you've achieved, so do them a favour and spend some time celebrating your hard work and the god damn PROGRESS you’ve made before you jump to the next thing.
Don't get carried away. You do not need to go breaking records. There’s no pressure here. Just look after yourself and take care of your body. That’s all it wants.
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