Getting back in shape after any type of hiatus from working out is tough. We want to rush it and lose that weight — yesterday. Yet, there are some reasons why it’s not such a good idea to rush the weight loss — especially if you want to be healthy and for the weight loss to stick for the long-term.
Here’s how to make time, space, and energy to get your body back and enjoy the process.
Guest post by Anne Samoilov
Is it possible to stop rushing the process, but still challenge yourself enough to see results?
If you’re like me, then maybe you honestly feel the pressure and guilt to get your eating and workouts back on track. You feel a genuine urgency.- Maybe you’ve had a recent diagnosis that makes it a real priority for you to get control of your health.
- Maybe you just don’t feel comfortable with the way you look or haven’t been feeling so great lately.
- Maybe you saw the scale this morning and were shocked by the number on the scale.
Results vs. Process
Most of us really want to lose our belly fat or get rid of cellulite or tighten up our entire body. Knowing what we want is not the issue. It’s that we want it now. RIGHT NOW. Even though it’s taken us X number of months to get OUT of shape, we expect the turnaround to be fast… we want the weight to melt off after only a few days of eating healthy or working out. And the health and fitness industry is right there, encouraging us to focus on the results vs. the process too! So, why should we stop rushing it and focusing on getting the results as quickly as possible? Won’t it take FOREVER to reach our goals if we don’t push hard and fast? Not necessarily.Lessons Learned
Here are three lessons that have proven true for myself, my workout buddies and many of my pilates clients over the past 5 years.- Focus, dedication and results do not necessarily mean working out for hours on end.
- Consistent action does not require you to go insane on your body and overdo it.
- Stressing yourself out because you aren’t at your ideal body weight isn’t actually helping you shed any of that unwanted weight. (This is perhaps the most important point about weight loss that most people don’t understand!)
A few signs you may be rushing it
- you’re thinking about losing weight 24/7
- you’re not taking time off from your workouts so your muscles have a chance to repair
- you’re hopping from diet to diet looking for the kickstart that you think your body needs
- you’re trying to cut caffeine, sugar, eat more veggies, eat no processed foods all at once
- you’re still not feeling healthier, losing inches or getting the results
- you’re encompassed with an overall feeling of anxiety whenever you think about your health and fitness
Why Rushing Fitness Is A Problem
Remember that there is a big difference between challenging yourself and rushing yourself. Rushing leads to that anxious, frazzled, I’m not getting enough done fast enough (or good enough) feeling. You’ve probably already got enough in your life to be stressed out about — i.e. work, your kids, money, your family, friends, you know… life. Ask yourself right now…Will rushing the results get you the quality of life and happiness that you want?
The alternative to always rushing is to always be aware. On this path to improving your health or getting in shape you are much more careful and deliberate about what you do and when. You take time to evaluate what your body needs the most, decide which areas you’ll focus on first, and make better decisions that lead to your improved health. Instead of feeling like you’re not doing enough, you make each workout count — showing up and working it with enthusiasm and focus. Instead of forgetting workouts on a regular basis, you make space in your life for those 30 dedicated minutes of activity. Instead of just doing activities, workouts or diets that you think you’re supposed to do — maybe because someone else told you it was the right thing or that it worked for them, you take time to understand what you need and then get to it with clear intention. When we make that “white space” to really think about our goals, what matters to us, what being in shape even means to us, then it clarifies what we need to do right now… and then each step on our journey becomes more natural and makes sense. Drinking that green smoothie isn’t a struggle. Going to the noon yoga class is easy. Finding time to go to the farmer’s market is effortless.Taking the First Step
In order to stop being a “Rush-er” you have to completely change your perspective regarding your health and fitness. The first step to re-igniting your fitness journey is to make time every week to think about what you’ve accomplished during the past week. Ask yourself questions like:- How was my stress level?
- Were my workouts challenging enough?
- Did I eat foods that helped me feel clear-minded, full of energy, and focused?
- What can I do differently or increase this week?