If you have ever thought about starting the gym, eating right, and probably step it down a notch in the booze, then you share a common sentiment with millions of people. The problem is that the moment you start going to the gym you will probably hate it. That's not even considering the DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) that you will be experiencing the next day. The food you will be eating just won't seem as exciting and you will read so much information on the subject that you will feel as if you know even less than before.
It is at this moment that its easy for you to say "FUCK IT" and just eat that piece of cake you saw in the deli or watch that extra episode instead of going to the gym.
Ultimately this will be you looking at your goals sail away:
SO WHAT DO YOU DO?
There is a shift in mindset that has to set in in your mind. Put simply: Being 'fit' should not represent a concept of which you have to 'work' for. This sets you up for failure since the beginning, as this is a chore that has to be FORCED every day at every moment. You are forcing yourself to go to the gym, forcing yourself to eat this instead of that, and forcing yourself to do things you FEEL as if it is a sacrifice.
This may work for some time, but you will eventually find any reason to stop. Sometimes you will justify it because of different life situations or will eventually feel as if you are not making any progress. This shouldn't really come as a surprise since you are half-assing it anyway.
- You have to transform the concept of exercising from work to leisure.
Find an activity that will yield POSITIVE feelings. Find a good environment, group, and activity. Look for a sense of community and identity. This way you can ENJOY being active.
Scientifically, exercise has been proven to provide many psychological benefits. It naturally reduces stress, releases dopamine when done in proper amounts, and it even enhances cognitive abilities.
It will increase your self confidence, make you feel less alone, allow you to meet people that enjoy the same things as you do, and ultimately broaden your social circle.
Putting up new goals will help you grow into a better and stronger version of yourself. Goals within an activity you enjoy will challenge you in many ways and humble you. You will learn how to keep yourself accountable of your actions.
Follow these principles and you will learn to LOVE being fit.
Best of luck and happy training!