Fitness and Me -- Me and Fitness
Fitness has grown into such a big industry lately-an industry I dreamt of being apart of for years (until I realized that though I love body building, I am not a body builder). If we let ourselves, we can get sucked into this particular fitness image. Maybe you've seen it? Round booty, toned arms, abs, and overall sexually appealing. Or for some, maybe its the rippling muscles and large, oversized veins. For others, the power lifter physique was your goal. (I have striven for each of these images at some point in my fitness life). Nothing is wrong with these images, but there are times when I feel so weighed down with the inadequacy. My stomach will probably never be flat because I love oreos. My muscles will never be "rippling" because my genes are naturally smaller. Strength is somewhat achievable, but once I start having babies (not for several years!) it won't be as realistic or acheivable. The thing is, unless fitness is your *life* and career, you won't ever reach model status. Especially if you are a poor college drop out like I am. I love fitness though, and it is important. The idea of perfection and my own personal struggles have brought my self-esteem way down low. Life has been changing for me a lightning speeds, and my fitness has taken a back seat which in turn has made me feel less than nice. This needs to be fixed, soon.
Among all these thoughts of mine comes the thought "So what am I striving for, then? What is my end goal? What is a realistic expectation for myself?"
Since last September the only goal I have been able to set is to just go. Just go to the gym, lift some weights, and try not to eat too many sweet treats. I have been stuck between 138 and 140 pounds, which is not ideal seeing that it is not as much muscle as it is fat. This number is really only a bit away from my goal. It has felt so unattainable however. I've just been trying to make it to the gym. *Just making it* doesn't bring much progress at all. I know I have lost my strength, and that was my favorite. It doesn't help that I moved from crappy college food to home cooking and snacks (I have created a terrible snacking habit--too many overall and rarely healthy ones).
Okay, so I know what I'm doing wrong:
1. Lack of commitment
2. Too many snacks
3. Crappy Diet All Around
What do I want? What IS my goal?
I know I want to be strong. I don't have to have a *perfect* physique, but I would like one with slightly less love handles. What can I achieve? I know that running is not my strong suit, because I seem to *always* hurt myself running. I should challenge myself and actually start running. I can go to the gym, every day if I commit to it, 6 days a week. I know that I can manage running once a week. So what should I do? How can I keep myself accountable?
Ah, this is where Instagram comes in handy. I don't post workouts there to brag that I workout (lol) but because it keeps me accountable for my actions. I will create a highlight story and you guys can keep track and follow along. I will update you when this is available.
Here is the game plan pals:
5 weeks from now (WHAT, KAYDEE, WHY ARE YOU PROCRASTINATING SO MUCH? START NOW! Let me just tell you, in 4 weeks I get married (ya girl ain't got the time to start a new fitness routine right now OKAY. In 5 weeks I'll be honeymooning in the mountains and you bet I ain't gonna start powerlifting at a resort, OKAY!) I am starting the following:
1. Weight Training Monday, Wednesday, Friday
-Weightlifting movements only (Bench Press, Squats, Deadlifts)
-cardio warm ups for 10-15 minutes before lifts and 5-10 minutes after lifts
2. Accessories Tuesday and Thursday
-Tuesday upperbody
-Thursday will be lower body
-Cardio warm ups for 20 minutes before lifts
3. Outdoor activity + workout on Saturdays
-May include hiking, walking dogs, or running
-Includes abs circuit and/or body weight workouts
4. 3 Week weight training cycles + 1 Week cardio and body weight training cycles
If you *want* I can attach my full workout plan monthly, and maybe we can make this fitness journey together?
In the end, do what you *can* do, and set your goals realistically *after* you know exactly what you want from exercising. Me? I want to be really strong and eat a lot of food.
Good luck to you, wherever you are and whatever your goals are. It is possible, just make sure you are overall happy along the way.
Until next week,
-Kaydee
