Things I Have Learned From Getting My Body Into Better Shape [Opinion]

With Summer usually comes the want for many of us to lose weight. We want to get into shape. What I have learned is that losing weight is a lot of talk unless you are truly willing to do something about it. The first step to getting your body into better shape is to actually get up and get it done. I have found that it gets easier after that step. However, the journey is a long one.

I say this because I have been on the journey for almost a month now. I have been a big cardio person in the past, but I realized that I wasn't getting the results I wanted no matter how hard I worked. As important as cardio is for your workout, it isn't the only thing you need to do.I knew I needed to face my fear of weights and just do it.

If you are wanting to do this or just started like me, here are some tips that I will give you from personal experience. Its not all about strength. Its not about how much weight you can lift or how many repetitions you can do. I have learned that it is very mental. You have to find the will power and the want to really push yourself. That has been the hardest part for me.

The first day I walked into the gym with the intention of hitting the weights, I was terrified. My first thought was that someone would laugh at or judge me because I looked stupid or I didn't know what I was doing. Truth is, I had no clue what I was doing. However, no one payed me any mind. Everyone else was too worried about how much their arms or legs hurt from their own workouts. I also had to remind myself that I am not there for anyone else. I am there for me, to better myself, and feel better about my body.

Feeling better about my body was what I really needed going into this. There are certain parts of my body that I am just not happy with and I know that I am the only one who can change them. The important thing to remember is that it is not going to happen overnight or with just one workout. Nothing will be different about you except the fact that you will probably be very sore. That will pass with time and effort. And you will see results as long as you stick to it. Keep going and don't give up.

The one thing that I am having a hard time with is that I am not losing the kind of weight that I want to. So after talking to some friends who workout as well, I was reminded that I am turning fat into muscle by lifting weights. The change in weight will not happen immediately, but you will get there. I never get on the scale anymore. I simply go by what I am seeing in the mirror. It helps to keep me going when I feel like nothing is happening.

With all of this exercise comes better eating. Please keep in mind that I do not eat kale and I have not cut out all starches or carbohydrates. However, I eat more fruits and vegetables, I plan my daily meals as best as I can, and I watch how much I eat. Because of this, I don't eat nearly as much as I used to in one sitting. And always remember, drink the water. Its free.

If you read this and are now thinking, 'Well why don't you just love the body you were given?' My answer is that I do love myself. I just want to be healthier because I know that I am not. If you read this and are wanting to make a change, good for you. I hope these thoughts help you.

I think that everyone is beautiful just the way they are no matter what a scale says or what you think people think of you. Always remember that no one's opinion of you matters. What is important is that you feel good in your own skin.