Unveiling the True Motivations Behind Your Fitness Pursuits

I am about to disclose the underlying reasons why you embarked on CrossFit or any other fitness endeavor you’ve chosen. It’s a bold assertion, I’m aware. Here it is:

No one genuinely desires merely to get fit. Nor does anyone simply aim to lose weight and tone their body.

The Core Motivation for Working Out

Losing weight and toning up are merely means to an end, much like CrossFit is for you. Ultimately, all these fitness activities are pursued to enhance our self – esteem. Shedding pounds and building muscle are merely the pathways to achieve this.

The profound revelation about CrossFit is when we come to understand that we can feel better about ourselves based on the capabilities of our bodies, rather than their appearance (or more precisely, how we perceive our reflection in the mirror).

Initially, we might have joined a gym due to dissatisfaction with our looks or the way we felt. There was an underlying sense of inadequacy. Thoughts like, “If only I lost a few pounds, I’d feel better,” were prevalent.

However, this feeling dissipates rapidly when we find ourselves in an environment that accepts us as we are while simultaneously encouraging self – improvement. The people around us believe in our potential, even when we ourselves are unaware of it, leading to achievements we never thought possible.

The Impact of a Robust Community

On our first day at the gym, we witnessed individuals seemingly of superhuman caliber, effortlessly lifting heavy weights and moving their bodies with a grace that seemed to defy gravity. Now, we are part of that very community.

“Recalling our starting point and reflecting on the distance we’ve covered requires some effort, as we are often preoccupied with the challenges and our imperfections.”

Over time, though, the sense of doubt or inadequacy can resurface, even as our physical abilities progress. We adapt, and we may forget the days when we scoffed at the idea of doing a pull – up. Now, we’re frustrated that we can’t complete ten unbroken muscle – ups. Why is this so?

Strategies to Maintain a Positive Outlook on Your Progress

When you find yourself exasperated by what you perceive as a lack of progress, here are five strategies to help you relish the process and remain content with your efforts:

1. Remember – You’re Among Friends

Seriously, keep in mind that you are surrounded by friends. Name another setting where everyone around you is solely invested in your success. Do colleagues in the office greet you with an enthusiastic hello and a fist – bump, or do they inundate you with the latest crisis? Does your family welcome you with excitement, or do they inform you about a malfunctioning washing machine?

2. Savor Your Personal Time

This is your exclusive mental space. For one to two hours each day, nothing else matters. During those torturous twenty minutes of a burpee and rowing workout, you’re not fretting over the person who hasn’t replied to your text. In the thirty seconds before attempting a personal best in a back squat, you’re not worrying about how to tell your mother you won’t be making dinner on Sunday. Forget everything else. This is your domain.

3. Acknowledge the Progress You’ve Already Achieved

There was a time when you could only dream of this. You never imagined you’d become addicted to exercise. Gyms were for bodybuilders, and you were just an office worker. Now, you’re a certified badass in metabolic conditioning workouts, sporting brand – new wrist wraps that will surely help you break through the overhead squat barrier.

4. Avoid Fixating on Perfection

Everyone knows that no one is perfect. That person with a chiseled six – pack wishes they didn’t struggle on 400 – meter runs. The extremely fast individual wishes they didn’t have to rely so much on foam rolling due to calf pain. The muscle – up virtuoso yearns to surpass their personal best in power cleans. Perfection is an unattainable goal.

5. Be Your Own Biggest Cheerleader

If your best friend were sharing their fitness struggles with you, what would you say? Sure, you might think it’s different for you due to various reasons. But really, what would your words of encouragement be? You’d tell them you’re proud of them, they’re doing an amazing job, and they’re an inspiration. So, apply the same advice to yourself. Acknowledge that you’re doing great and be happy about it!

Reflecting on Your Progress and Overcoming Challenges

Remembering why we started and looking back on our journey demands some introspection, as we often focus on the challenges and our flaws. When we lose the ability to do chest – to – bar pull – ups, frustration can easily set in. We could keep pushing ourselves to the limit, but we’ll be far more productive and successful if we approach it with a positive mindset.

So, take a deep breath and appreciate all the remarkable achievements you’ve made since stepping into the gym for the first time. Break free from the endless pursuit of happiness based on external measures. After all, it’s likely not a TrueForm treadmill you’re on.

Check out these related articles:
– Walking: The Simple Path to Feeling Sexier and Living Longer
– How to Be a Thinking Athlete: A User’s Guide to the Brain
– The Real “Ideal” Body Type Is Up to You
– New On Breaking Muscle Today

Photos courtesy of RX’d Photography.