My name is Kelsey and I have been home to the fitness world for most of my life. Currently, I am a cycling instructor for one of the most incredible communities I've ever been a part of. I grew up as an athlete and for the majority of my life have found moving my body as a way to cope with life's stressors. It wasn't until college, when fitness became one of those life stressors. Why? Take it to the gram. Yes, Instagram. Every social media app downloaded on my phone- Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, you name it. Somehow, without asking for it, some fitness guru will make it on my screen. Social media is home to millions of fitness influencers. This is where fitness for me gets a little sticky. Some share tips backed up by science, while others promote advice that is misguided and harmful. Some post tremendous progress and real results, while others provide us with unrealistic standards of perfection. This is a space for me to talk about it. I want to talk about what can make the fitness world feel impossible for a lot of us and I want to talk about how we can get back to the mindset that fitness IS for us and not against us. So why are we in the gym in the first place? Hint: It has nothing to do with those gym gurus online.
The Fitness Gurus in Question AKA Fitness For The Gram
Here's the thing, you can be confident and proud of your work and still fall short with one quick scroll and the comparison game. We are human and it happens. I think about Kelsey at 19, getting back into fitness after gaining that brutal freshman 15 (yes I was a victim). I think about how proud she was when she started becoming consistent again and finding cycling. But I also remember feeling defeated opening up a silly little app to see bodies that would truthfully never be mine. It is unreal how quickly a mindset can change. My pride turned into jealousy and disappointment right at my fingertips. I don't share these feelings for any other reason than I know that some of you have felt this too. Social media has established a high class, everyday comparison game for all parties. Personally, I have no desire to see photoshop on my feed (which honestly, is what we tend to see with these high profile fitness accounts). Now I'm not saying that every fitness advice you receive online is bad news. Ofcourse not! There are so many influencers that are body positive and have content that makes us feel seen. There are some inspiring people that I follow and adore their content. Look for the influencers and fitness experts that are cheering you on! The next time you see a post on your feed that has to do with fitness, I want you to ask yourself how it makes you feel. Does it make you feel empowered or does it leave you feeling small? Be honest and make a change if needed. Make your own damn fitness page. You deserve to take up space. Read the next three sentences.
Self love at any size.
Strength at any size.
Confidence at any size.
If the fitness account gives that energy, I think you're in the clear. If not, with all due respect, we don't give a sh*t what they have to say.
Take a moment to reflect: Why am I engaging in exercise in the first place?
AKA Fitness For Me
Here are the first five that come to my mind:
I want to adapt a healthier lifestyle.
I want to continue my fitness journey. I like seeing how far I've come.
Exercise is my outlet. It helps me get my stress and anxieties out (and I have a lot of those).
I like feeling strong.
It fills my soul with confidence.
Maybe your friend or family member influenced you to do it. Express your gratitude to them. They came through for you, just saying.
The list goes on and on. I hope.
I hope when you think of the reasons that you are exercising, they all lead back to you. And if right now they don't, this is your time to change and rework that. Your fitness should be all about YOU. There is nothing wrong with being selfish in your fitness space. It is your opportunity to show up for yourself in a big and bold way. I say this countless times- You can not show up for anyone else, until you show up for you. Your fitness journey should make you feel GOOD. Do not let those outside pressures of fitness stop you from finding healing in it.
How do I stay motivated and consistent?
It's tough, I know. The consistency is truly the most difficult part to establish. But how many times have you said, "Getting there is the hardest part." And it is! I, along with many cycling instructors, begin class by saying, "You've done the hardest part. You showed up and you're clipped in. Now, make it worth it." Remind yourself how satisfying it feels to accomplish something bigger than yourself. Remind yourself that your small wins are everything. Remind yourself that you were good enough long before stepping through the doors of your gym, but you are taking a leap to enhance yourself. On the days when you are having more difficulty staying motivated, phone a friend. Our people! Don't be afraid to lean on them when you need it. It doesn't hurt to join a fitness studio that hypes you up the second you step through that door (shameless plug).
So my strong, confident, badass readers...
What are you going to choose? The outside pressures of fitness or YOU?
Stay grounded and stay PROUD. You are making GAINS and there is nothing small about them.
Find your workout family by booking a class with us!
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