Unveiling the True Motivations Behind Your Fitness Pursuits

I will now elucidate the underlying reasons why you embarked on CrossFit or any other fitness endeavor you've chosen. I'm aware this is a rather audacious prediction, yet here it is:

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

Why Do We Engage in Physical Exercise?

Losing weight and toning up are merely means to an end, much like CrossFit serves as a vehicle for you. Fundamentally, all these activities are undertaken to enhance our self - esteem. Shedding pounds and building muscle are merely pathways to this overarching goal.

The profound revelation about CrossFit lies in the realization that we can foster a more positive self - perception based on our body's capabilities rather than its appearance (or, more precisely, our self - image in the mirror).

Initially, we might have joined a gym due to dissatisfaction with our appearance or well - being. There exists an underlying sense of inadequacy. Thoughts such as "If only I lost a few pounds, I'd feel better" are common.

However, this sense of inadequacy dissipates rapidly when we find ourselves in an environment that accepts us unconditionally while simultaneously motivating us to improve. The people around us believe in our potential, even when we ourselves are unaware of it, leading to achievements we never deemed possible.

The Potent Influence of a Robust Community

On our first day at the gym, we witnessed individuals with seemingly superhuman strength, effortlessly lifting heavy weights and controlling their bodies as if in zero - gravity. Now, we are an integral part of the same community.

"Recalling our initial motivation and reflecting on our journey requires some effort, as we often fixate on challenges and our own limitations."

Over time, though, feelings of doubt or inadequacy can resurface in tandem with our physical capabilities. We adapt, and we often forget that we once scoffed at the idea of doing a pull - up. Now, we're frustrated when we can't perform ten consecutive muscle - ups. Why is this so?

Strategies for Maintaining a Positive Outlook on Your Progress

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

1. Bear in Mind – You're Among Comrades

Remember, you are surrounded by friends. Seriously, internalize this. Name another setting where everyone around you is solely invested in your success. Do colleagues greet you with an enthusiastic hello and a fist - bump at the office, or do they inundate you with the latest crisis that needs resolving? Does your family greet you with excitement, or do they inform you that the washing machine has broken down?

2. Savor Your Personal Time

This is your exclusive mental space. For one to two hours each day, nothing else matters. During those excruciating twenty minutes of a grueling burpee and rowing workout, you're not fretting about the person who hasn't replied to your text. In the thirty seconds before attempting a personal best in back - squats, you're not pondering how to tell your mother you won't be making dinner on Sunday. Disregard 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 muscle - bound individuals, and you were just an office worker. Now, you're a certified Metcon badass, sporting brand - new wrist wraps that will surely help you break through the overhead - squat barrier.

4. Abstain from Fixating on Perfection

No one is flawless. You're well - aware of this. That person with a chiseled six - pack? They wish they didn't struggle on 400 - meter runs. The incredibly fast runner? They wish they didn't have to spend so much time foam - rolling due to calf pain. The muscle - up virtuoso? They're eager to surpass their personal best in power cleans. Perfection is unattainable.

5. Be Your Own Biggest Cheerleader

If your best friend were sharing their struggles with you, what would you say? Yes, I understand you might think it's different for you due to various reasons. But, in all honesty, what would you tell them? You'd express pride in their achievements, commend their amazing efforts, and let them know they're an inspiration. So, apply the same advice to yourself. Acknowledge that you're doing great and be elated about it!

Reflecting on Your Progress and Overcoming Challenges

Remembering why we started and reflecting on how far we've come demands some effort, as we're prone to focusing on challenges and our own deficiencies. When we struggle with chest - to - bar pull - ups, it's easy to become frustrated. We could persistently push ourselves, hitting a wall in the process. However, we'll be far more productive and successful if we approach these situations with a positive mindset.

So, take a deep breath and appreciate all the remarkable feats you've accomplished since you first stepped into the gym. Step off the never - ending pursuit of happiness that might not even be a worthy treadmill.

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• 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.