Unpopular Fitness Opinions Part 2
I am full of unpopular opinions when it comes to the diet and fitness industry…. So let’s continue on with my next unpopular opinion. (The first one was on not exercising to lose weight- read that one here)
I do NOT think you should workout to be skinny.
Have I? Yes.
Do I still? No.
Is this a HUGE mindset shift that can totally change your life forever in a good way if you stop working out to be skinny? Yes.
Read on to find out how to change your thinking so that skinny is not your ultimate goal.
Reminder: Skinny does NOT equal healthy.
The big mistake happens when we make skinny our ONLY measuring stick for success. Skinny is not a goal. Skinny is an adjective, and there are no standards other than those WE create or subject ourselves to. It’s like a line in the sand - you’ll never be enough if it’s your only goal.
Can you wish to be tigher/smaller/thinner- I still think so. Believe me there are days when I feel this way when some clothes feel too snug or don't look like I thin they should, but I don’t stay there.
Your value as a person cannot be changed by your shape or your size- whether you go up or down.
So what is there to do? How do you let go of the motivation, the drive to be skinny when it’s all you know? There are many ways and this blog won’t cover all of them, but I’ve got a few ideas that worked for me and that I’ve borrowed from some recent reads.
Recommended Reading:
Burnout: The Key To Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
Untamed, by Glennon Doyle
Switching from Skinny Goals
You need to figure out additional ways to measure success- what else can motivate you?
Here are some of my top switches:
Strength- track the weight you lift and see yourself get stronger!
Better quality of sleep
Less pain - are you knees or back bothering you?
More energy- your daily tasks don’t exhaust you!
New abilities- Can you run faster? Can you play a new sport?
Next you need to adjust your environment - including the thoughts in your head. Stop yourself when you catch yourself commenting, scoring, rating, or heck even noticing how everyone looks around you. Wonder about their life instead. What they do, where they’re from, what’s their favorite book…. anything but “she probably doesn’t eat cheat meals” and “She’s so skinny I would be so happy if I looked like her.”
You can also pay attention to your scroll- are you seeing women of different shapes there? If you’re only seeing lean, super fit women you will think that’s the only or “normal” way to be and if you’re not it, or don’t think you’re it, then you’re bad (simply put).There is no one size fits all for fit, healthy bodies!
Watch out for toxic friends and family- they can bring you down. Don’t let THEIR issues become your issues. It takes courage to step away when you need to but no one is going to do it for you!
If you’re looking for a healthy community with workouts that help you get stronger, gain confidence and focus LESS on skinny, I’d love for you to try my training app!
