Desiring to start your “new” healthy life is often seen as hard for many reasons. This can include lack of motivation, procrastination, fear of not knowing how to do exercises well, desperation not to see results, and so much more. When I started my fit life, I was scared and thought I didn’t belong in this. However, everything starts falling into place, just as life is. All you need to start is yourself, the desire to change your habits, and being a better version of yourself.
One of the things that scared me the most from starting was the typical stereotype of the “skinny girl at the gym.” Since I was little, I’ve always been skinny. I always felt terrible in high school because I could see the difference between my friend’s bodies and mine. I looked like a 17-year-old with a 13-year-old body. When I began college, I got a little bit out of line with the food. I didn’t measure the amount I was eating; I was never aware of how your portions affect you. After my first year of college, I went back home and realized I did not have a healthy life. I barely did exercise since all my calories were burned from walking from my dorm to my classes and vice versa. Here is when I addressed my problem and made a change.
Realizing the problem and working to make the change is the first step. I realized I wasn’t happy with how I looked, which affected my self-esteem and mental health. This was when I was aware I wanted to change because I wanted to make myself feel better, not because I wanted to fit in that perfect body stereotype. I started going to the gym Monday to Friday, and I won’t lie, the first days were horrible. I barely could do exercises, I couldn’t lift a lot of weight, and I felt this wasn’t for me. But I didn’t give up. I sought professional help to learn about nutrition and how to feed my body correctly. Three months later, I saw little but massive change for me, and I had never felt that good with myself in so much time. That girl that could barely lift 5 pounds with her arms now raised 30. I started wearing clothes I wouldn’t wear before, and my self-esteem began to increase. It got to the point that my friends would mention they noticed a better version of me.
So now I tell you, it’s never too late to start this journey. It doesn’t matter if you fall into the “skinny” or “fat” stereotype; we all start in the same place. Don’t do it thinking of what others will think of you; stop fearing the “what if.” Do it for yourself and think of the change within the years. Not only physically but mentally and emotionally. Analyze your problem and make a call to action.
Are you doing enough exercise? Are you aware of the portions you eat? Do you have a problem with overeating or binging? Have you reached a professional for help? Stay tuned for the following articles!