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I have been going to the gym between 3 to 5 times a week since February (with a few weeks off because of holidays or exam periods) and I have been running since July. It has been a, let's say "interesting", journey. It was different than I thought it would be. So today I will share with you a few things I have learned from working out regularly this year.
1. Mental results are immediate, physical ones... not so much.
This is something I have been struggling with. I thought working out will make me look fit as hell FAST. Well, that didn't go as planned. I would say I look quite similiar, maybe some parts of my body are lifted, some parts are more toned. But overall I still don't look like one of those "Fitness-Girls" on Instagram. I guess that's why they do what they do. It's their job. They spend their whole day working out and (most importantly) making the right food choices for themselves. And I guess that's where I am lacking. Chocolate is just too good! But to be honest, I am not mad about it. Of course, I would like to get rid of some excess fat on my tummy or my thighs. But that will go eventually. Way more important to me is the internal change. And this came way quicker. You will feel so much more motivated and energised. I know it sounds crazy to have more energy even though you put more energy into working out. But trust me, you will! And oh god, this feeling to be able to carry more groceries up the stairs than you were before? Priceless!
2. It's not that scary.
I have been there. I was absolutely scared of gyms and working out in front of other people in general. I have started off with pilates at home. But that didn't really work for me. Thank god my boyfriend convinced me to come with him to the gym. Okay, with him by my side it was a bit less frightening. But this was just what I needed to overcome my fear. Now I don't even care if he comes along or not. I feel equally as confident. And if your biggest fear is what others might think.. let me tell you: Everyone has their insecurities and most people will mostly just think about what others think about them and won't judge a thing you are doing. The same goes for running outside. I was so scared of it before. I always thought people might judge me because I am not the fastest runner, I get pretty red and I feel like I am breathing like a crazy person. But did you ever judge a person you saw running? Even when they were red and sweaty and maybe even slower than the average runner? No, most probably you thought that you should get your butt off the couch, too.
3. Everyone struggles, especially in the beginning.
I always felt like a loser when working out. As I said I get red quite quickly and I have a serious sweaty face (haha I know you all wanted to know that) and the first few times I felt like I am going to throw up. But guess what? That's totally normal. You will feel sick, you will feel uneasy but that's exactly what you want. The rewarding feeling afterwards is so worth it. You did it even though you felt like crap. It will get easier with time and most probably you will stop feeling like vomiting after a few weeks, but you will find yourself trying to push harder and harder to test your limits. Believe me, it's addicting!
4. So much cleaning to do.
Things get sweaty when you work out. Not even your clothes but also your hair. Honestly, that is something that still annoys me and I haven't found a solution yet. Normally I wash my hair twice a week. But when you workout almost daily that's impossible. I sometimes can skip the hair wash when I do a light weight training. But there is no way in hell I can skip if after a run or other cardio training (and for some reason: leg day is always very sweaty for me!). So you will have to wash your clothes and your hair way more than you are used to. But again.. that's just a minor issue. I would still like to know if you have any tips for not having to wash your hair daily when working out?
5. Try and fail. But try again.
As I said before, I tried different kinds of workouts before. I did pilates for some time, but it just wasn't for me. I felt bored. So I am not saying you have to go to the gym or go running. That's just what works for me. Maybe you will enjoy tennis? Maybe you even like dancing? A workout doesn't have to take place in the gym or in running shoes. But it doesn't hurt to try! The most important thing is that you enjoy it in the grand picture. Of course, I have days where I just can't be bothered, but then there are days where I can't wait to workout. So don't just think because you don't want to go some days that you shouldn't do it. You will know when it's right!
Do you work out? If yes, what do you like to do?
xx Lisa
