I really feel the need to vent about how we as Americans are obsessed about physical appearance. We spend billions...
I really feel the need to vent about how we as Americans are obsessed about physical appearance. We spend billions of dollars on liposuction, wonder bras, and miracle weight loss pills. We equate looking good with having a good life.
While the media continues to condition our thinking that unless we are model thin, movie star perfect, or competition ready that we are somehow flawed, less than perfect. Many women are unhappy with themselves no matter how much weight or inches they lose. Many women would rather be fashionably skinny than healthy. I am amazed at the lengths women will go in the attempt to look like the women on the cover of a magazine or on their favorite TV show. (I included).
So many women are dissatisfied with their bodies that it is distorting their self image. As a personal trainer I understand all to well what it is like to focus compulsively on body image. At times in my life I too have been a slave of the quest to build the perfect body. Believe me when I say I have tried every trick in the book, whether it is the latest diet, fitness craze, or supplement. I've learned this physical obsession cost not only money, time, and energy, but can also cause our mental state to be affected negatively. Where has all this effort, focus, worry, and struggle about our bodies gotten us. Nearly half of American women are size 14, nearly 33% of Americans our overweight.
The payoff is ironic; we have succeeded in adding disappointment and frustration to our already stressful lives. The wasted time we spend trying to be the skinniest girl in the room could be better used on something to make us feel better about ourselves not worse. It's time to rethink the situation.
We need to consider that our self image may be out of focus and try to correct the imbalance, only then will you be able to start seeing results for your efforts. We have the conflicting message between our looks and our health (mental and physical).
The stress of trying to meet unrealistic standards keeps us stuck right where we are. Stress causes our bodies to store more fat. We now have to approach life on both physical and mental levels not just cosmetic. We not only have to work with the body but also the mind. Many of us are stuck in the same habits and attitudes that we've always had even though they have failed us. Through my experience I have weeded out what works and what doesn't. I hope I can give you some insight that will work for you.
So instead of waiting for your circumstances to be perfect some time in the future start right now with yourself. Start appreciating who you are now.
Our body may change size and our weight may change but what remains constant is who we are on the inside and how we chose to experience life. Our bodies are somewhat genetically programmed we can only change that blueprint to a certain degree.
(Meaning if you are 5'4" you will never look like a runway model). So let's face it most of us simply are not genetically programmed to be waiflike. So we may have to readjust our idea of our dream body to what is actually possible for our body type. If our goals our unrealistic they are doomed to fail, so don't set yourself up for failure.
You have to match your goal with your diet and fitness program. Not just joining the latest fitness craze or your best friends new diet plan. Never compare your achievements with others what may work for them may not work for you. Find a program that fits your lifestyle so that it is not difficult to maintain over time.
Small changes in your lifestyle can add up. People usually won't stick to a program that requires drastic change. Don't expect to change years of bad eating and poor workout habits overnight. Your efforts will payoff through time and consistency.
Remember that you are human and there is always room for error. Missing a workout or cheating on your diet is not the end of the world. Guilt can be a powerful thing. Do not let it effect you negatively in this regard it will destroy your motivation. Except the situation and move on. Do not waste time beating yourself up. Stop trying to be the girl next to you and be the best you that you can be. Then you will succeed.
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