It's a feeling
- May 13, 2020
- 5 min read
I've got a feelin' (oooooohhh ooooh!)
- Black Eyed Peas throwback song.
I have finally fucking realized ...
and I mean fully realllllllized that fitness is a feeling!
It has taken my years of killing my body, doing a bunch of different routines or plans, and a buttload of injuries - to really fully capitalize on the full
feeling of fitness.
I once did a workout because that is just what my trainer told me to do.
I have also done workouts because they were the necessary guide to getting lean for the stage.
I have worked out purely because "I wanted to lift heavy shit". ... and I have weight lifted purely because I was scared of getting fat.
Over the years, weight lifting and fitness became less about enjoyment, and more about a necessary means of staying lean. Weightlifting became the only "form of exercise" that actually "qualified as exercise" in my brain.
A hike/walk/bike ride to me - wasn't exercise (in my disordered head).
Unless I was killing myself under the squat rack or bench press, it didn't count. Therefore, sure I would go for a hike - but not because it was my exercise for the day. Nope. You better believe, that I would crush out a heavy weightlifting session, first. This meant my hike was additional, and normally my "social time" versus exercise.
However, guess what...
There is more to fucking fitness than a weight room.
SHOCKING, I KNOW, FRIEND.
Exercise comes in many forms and includes many different styles. You can literally do anything, as long as you are moving your body.
Yoga is exercise.
Walking is exercise.
Weightlifting is exercise.
Hiking is exercise.
Rollerblading, bike-riding, scootering, etc. is all a form of fucking exercise!
Again.. shocking - I know.
Living through this COVID 19 pandemic has really brought out my higher intuitive side.
You see, some days - I want to lift weights. Other days, I just want to go for a long walk around the block. Then there are days where I just feel like doing step-ups and pushups.
So, am I killing it everyday like I was years ago?
No & Yes.
No.
Because I am not crushing the weights 6-7x a week followed by hitting 10K steps, and hitting Personal Records (PR'S) more often, than not.
Yes.
Because I actually listen to my body, and it's needs. I do things that get my mood up, purely focusing on how I want to feeeeeeeel, versus how I want to look.
So you see, I purely train for the feeling, now.
I train for the endorphins, the great vibes, and the high-frequency I want to exude and give to those around me.
I train focusing on the person I want to be, and how I want to show up to new conversations.
I train for energy, light, laughter and happiness.
I do not train or workout because "I have to".
Nope. Some days, I don't fucking train at all. And guess what - sometimes, that is exactly what my body requires.
Preface:
I am not saying utilizing a trainer is a bad idea, because "then you are doing what the trainer is programming".
I am a trainer. I think trainers are fucking ammmmmazing!
However, the point of a trainer is not to utilize a trainer forever.
The point of a trainer is to learn, and move forward towards your goals.
You go to school - to eventually graduate.
You no longer see your teacher everyday, but rather using their lessons.
You go to training - to eventually graduate.
You no longer see your trainer everyday, but rather using their lessons.
...
Thats the beauty of it.
You learn so fucking much, hopefully reaching your goals.
Eventually, you graduate and move on without them
SSOOOOOO..
Now that you've graduated, it's time to take the things you've learned and loved, and utilize them!
Yes, we do all have to do things we don't necessarily want to do, all the time. However, yes, we also need to enjoy what we are doing.
ADVICE.
Make your fitness routine:
1. Challenging, but fun.
Program something you don't necessarily love, but know are good for you and do moderately tolerate or enjoy (like eating your vegetables as a kid).
Follow the less favourable - but challenging and necessary movements with things you really enjoy! This will help ensure all needs of your body and mental state are met. It is a great way to build confidence, boost endorphins and feel amazing!
2. Flexible to change.
If your back is killing you - maybe a PR day of squats isn't the best idea. Make sure you are flexible in your approach.
One of the worst things I experienced was doing shit I genuinely couldn't mentally prepare myself for, forcing certain workouts when I was injured or just fully mind-body disconnected. It's dangerous to be honest. If you are mentally checked out, injured, weak or sick - make changes. Remember not ever day will be your best day, and not every worst day will be your last day. It's okay to feel run down, sore, tired, injured or un-focused. Thats completely natural and human of you. Embrace it, and listen to your internal needs.
3. Feeling focused, versus Body focused.
If you are forcing yourself to do something because you think "you have to", you'll likely leave the workout miserable.
Focus on feeling fucking great at the end of your workout. Focus on the energy you want to have throughout the day, and the amount of accomplishment you want to have.
Yes, sometimes we have to just suck it up, and push ourselves a little bit harder to get the workout done; and some days, we need to just change the entire program, in general.
Focus on your feelings.
Example: Some days, I genuinely just want to do some HIIT shit to boost them endorphins, instead of lifting heavy shit for a physique. This is when I choose my mood, versus a look. The feeling I get from those endorphins (regardless of the workout style), is more important than doing something in hopes of getting a 6 pack.
Newsflash: One workout wont make you skinny. And one changed workout, won't make you fat. Also. No one fucking cares about the 6 pack. They care about the person behind the 6 pack.
So, as you see - I've fucking changed.
And I am so proud of the changes I have made.
I don't give a fuck about PR's, 6 pack abs or "killing it" everyday.
...
I care about the people I surround myself with, and how I am treating them.
I care about the energy levels I have, and being the best person I can be.
I care about showing up, as a wonderful, fun-loving, energetic, playful individual, that I have always been - but allowed to fizzle out.
I hope you learn to love fitness for what it is.
athletic abilities and great feelings...
Instead of the "necessary means" of attaining a physical appearance.
Goals are great, and I highly believe that you should have them.
However, if you're putting your happiness on the backburner in order to reach those goals - you're doing it wrong.
Enjoy the process, or the process will take your joy.
xo
dee
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