Why fitness competitions shouldn’t measure your success

A few days ago, I was approached by a stranger in the gym who asked me if I compete. I never thought I’d be at a place physically and mentally to step on stage and strut my goodies in a blingy bikini. I immediately thanked them, because I know the amount of dexterity, commitment, and discipline it takes to train for physique competitions. But then I began thinking: just because I don’t want to compete as a physique model, does that mean I don’t exhibit commitment? Does it make me less of an athlete?

I started my active lifestyle four years ago with the hopes of losing weight. Later on, I wanted milestones. I signed up for my first 5k and trained for it. Next, I signed up for Tough Mudder and found my love of obstacle racing. Commitment to running these events got me off of the couch and into the weight room, but they’re not the sport that’s keeping me going now. I just want to be strong. And although I’m still on the fence about delving into my first powerlifting meet, I love lifting, and I love lifting heavy. Just like I did years ago, signing up for this meet could be the spark I need to train to get stronger.

Clearly, your goals will change. I’m a Zumba class dropout. I’m a cardio bunny turned Iron Lady. I’m Exhibit A of how much your training focus might change throughout your journey. It has taken me years of experimenting to find the right combination of fitness and fun and I’m finally at a place where I can say I’m happy with my training program. I don’t need a competition to validate my success in fitness because knowing how happy I am right now in this moment, is enough validation for me.

If you are thinking about competing, I encourage you to do it because you love the sport. Don’t compete because it seems like the only next step for you. I feel as if fitness – especially around Instagram – has one be-all and end-all goal and that’s becoming an International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) pro. If you have made progress in your own way, believe me when I say that you do NOT need to be an IFBB pro to be an inspiration, nor do you need to be shredded and lean year round to be respected. I think fitness has become so conflated to the point where we forget that fitness is an everyman and everywoman sport. It’s accessible to everyone. Whether your fitness is at the tennis court or dancing in your living room, you’re making fitness your own. Own it, wear it, and your confidence will grow. No competition will allow that natural confidence within you to bloom.

#MotivationMonday: how to start and keep your momentum going

With the New Year’s Resolution rush fast approaching, it’s worth addressing some of the struggles and obstacles surrounding the motivation slope (or lack thereof). Whether you’re just starting out or getting bored with your current routine, the following are a few tips I have to stay motivated with your fitness goals.

1. Don’t wait

In the wise words of Shia LaBoeuf:

Yesterday, you said tomorrow. SO JUST DO IT!!!

If you’ve been thinking about taking that first step, joining a gym, starting to eat clean, try something new… don’t think about it. Just jump in. There’s nothing worse than promising yourself results and then never committing to anything. It can be overwhelming at first – and it does get better – but only if you DO IT every damn day. There were many times I denied that I needed to eat healthier, “I’ll just do extra cardio… I’ll go to the gym twice a day…” Nothing worked for me other than telling myself NO EXCUSES clean(er) eating starts today. At this moment, I still track macronutrients daily and monitor what I eat. I’m going on 200 days straight and nothing is more satisfying than knowing I kept that promise to myself.

2. Fall in love with the process

Nothing is worse than perpetually doing a workout routine that bores you to death, or even worse: leaving the gym or finishing a work out and feeling upset. There are lots of ways to keep fit; it’s just a matter of what is the most fun for you. It took me a long time of experimenting to find my magic combination, so don’t be afraid to try new things.

Most gyms nowadays even have open houses or free trials. This is a great and budget-friendly way to explore different work outs and even get advice from pro trainers. Once you fall in love with the process, your results will come.

3. It’s dangerous to go alone

Well, maybe not deadly, but it couldn’t hurt to bring a friend along, right?

If you know someone that has similar fitness goals to yours then why not do it together? Having someone that is supportive of your fitness journey makes you accountable. It might be a dreary, cold day, but so-and-so is counting on you to hit the gym! You can’t let them down.

Swolemates, workout buddies, or whatever you call your partner-in-gains not only make you excited to hit the gym everyday, but can also correct your form, spot you if you’re lifting heavier weights, or push you for that  last rep you wouldn’t have done on your own.

4. Dollars and sense

You’re paying $300 a year for a gym membership and for what??? Not to go? For a fancy key fob? Didn’t think so.

Make use of this investment.

5. You’re only human

It’s easy to start hating working out if you haven’t taken a day off for the past 14 days. Rest days are important. Professional athletes need rest. Why are you so much different than them?

Schedule in a rest day. Make a countdown until your next cheat meal. If you slip up and eat like 20 cookies in one sitting, it’s not going to matter 5 years from now. Dust yourself off and start fresh tomorrow. It happens to the best of us, so don’t beat yourself to a bloody pulp about it.

Hope this helps you battle the motivation monster! See you at the gym.