Social media, TV, magazine, models and even the news all keep us feeling pressured to exercise!
It is very easy to fall back on the most essential conventional wisdom when it comes to learning how to live a fit and healthy lifestyle. Sadly, this is not always going to work for every single person out there.
Of course, there are some universal truths. In order to lose weight, we need to consume less calories than we use, and so a healthy deficit can help us get there.
It is also true that sometimes, conventional wisdom such as the need to lift weights to help grant you functional strength is hard to apply for someone who may be experiencing mobility issues.
So, sometimes it’s worth considering that essential wisdom and then filtering it through our own needs, so that sustainability, commitment, and worthwhile results are all expected.
Of course, it is always a good idea to consult with your healthcare professional before drastically changing your lifestyle.
If you can do that, then over time, you’re sure to feel much better and hold a better chance of success.
Let’s consider how to look at health and fitness in a new light, determining what it means to you and moving forward as a result.
The power of community for those with disabilities
Not everyone will understand the needs you have. For that reason, it may be worthwhile to consult or discuss with those who do, so that you don’t feel pressured to exercise.
If you’re newly disabled, for instance, speaking online to others with your condition and sharing tips for living healthily and getting more activity with your capabilities in mind can make a big difference.
You may wish to check out the following resources:
Cardiomyopathy UK – exercise for heart patients
Ways to exercise when living with chronic pain
Exposure to such content can help you understand that focusing on your health, despite managing conditions, is possible, and can help you unlock a profound sense of inner wellbeing.
Your goals are enough
You don’t have to want to become an ultra marathon runner, an athlete, or gain recognition for your fitness lifestyle for it to be enough.
Just remain steadfast in your own goals. As they say, no matter how slow you go, you’re still lapping everyone who may refuse the chance to get out there.
Your goals, even if they’re modest, are worth keeping in mind. For instance, perhaps you hope to lose five kilograms by the end of the year. That’s more than possible, and with a plan like Couch to 5K, you can ramp up your exercise regimen with care and attention.
Give my popular blog post a read – Exercise for beginners
That will make a profound difference as you grow in confidence and capability, and because you followed your own pace, the growth felt natural.
Share Your Journey
Your renewed fitness approach can be as private as you wish it to be. However, you’ll often find a great deal of joy if sharing this with someone you appreciate.
Over time, sharing your journey, be that in heading to the gym together, going for walks with your relative, or even striking up a hiking plan with your friend will help a fit lifestyle feel like a natural and integrated part of your socialising.
There’s nothing quite like growing a bond with someone in the spirit of mutual cooperation.
With this advice, I hope that rather than feeling “obligated” to exercise, you can appreciate what health and fitness means to you.
Photo by Nathan Cowley on Unsplash
