We've all been beginners in our fitness journeys at some point. After you've adopted the habit of working out and eating clean almost daily, it is easy to forget where you started. For some, it can be incredibly difficult just to build up the consistent positive habits. And, that's okay! Every goal will not come easily to everyone. We ALL are on this journey together to stay as healthy as possible so we can live as long as possible.
So, how can beginners stop finding themselves starting over and finally have the ability to build consistent healthy habits?
By realizing that EVERY DAY IS THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE THE NEEDLE FORWARD!!! The problem is (from my experience), when you are in the beginning stages of your healthier lifestyle, people pursue perfection. This is the critical mistake!
I can not tell you how many times I've been training an individual in their first couple of training sessions and every single one of them makes some sort of comment about how out of shape they are, how they can't perform certain "basic" exercises and immediately after start putting themselves down.
My response to all of them...
"I don't care right now necessarily WHAT you are able to do as long as you give everything you can do with 100% intensity."
Never get caught in the trap of trying to convince yourself that you SHOULD be at a particular level. Instead, wake up every morning with the mindset of making smart choices and giving everything you can towards what you are able to do. You might not be able to run a mile without stopping yet, but can you walk a mile with some energy? You might not be able to do box jumps yet, but can you perform some step ups with some light weights? You might not be able to perform an intense HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) sequence yet, but can you put walking, step ups and some bicep curl & presses into a sequence to stay active and to cut down rest periods? Little do you know, this will optimize your time the best and burn the most calories ;)
The point of all of this is to remember that you don't need to be able to jump the entire staircase on your first day, not even on your first week or month. But, as long as you are willing to wake up every single day with the mindset that you are going to take a single step up and not stay where you are, you will eventually achieve the goal you are looking for!
Stay positive and stay motivated my friends!
God Bless,
Taz