Keep on Keepin On

I started this whole blog talking about how just putting my shoes on is what got me to the gym. Progress is one of the factors that keep me going. That, just like putting my shoes on, relies so much on mentality. Staying mentally strong is so tough when you aren’t seeing the exact progress that you are wanting or expecting. For many people, including myself, I put so much weight (a little less now 😉 on the scale. Its so important to look for progress in other areas. The scale is definitely important, but there are so many other areas where progress can be seen or found. My trainer will often ask me how the scale is looking, and he always follows that up with other questions that show me that progress is not just standing naked on the scale (every ounce counts). The first follow up is “How are clothes fitting?” Ive learned that its so much more than just shedding pounds and far more of a transformation. Clothes are one of the ways that shows up the best. I can go into a store and not worry about how an XL t-shirt is going to fit. 1 year ago I would have to try on a XXL to make sure that it wasn’t cut differently to the point it didn’t fit. I can’t tell you good that feels. That is one of the ultimate wins so far. Progress could be you’re able to walk further, run your mile faster, or lift more weight. Those are all indicators that progress is being made and should be celebrated as much as dropping 6 pounds last month. Some of the progress that Ive noticed that have felt like major wins are the workouts my trainer is giving me and the conversations we are having. In the beginning, workouts were fairly basic because of limitations with weight or strength or both. There were movements today that I wouldn’t have gotten a single rep of last February. Those things are important to remember and reflect on. The conversations have also shifted form “how are the calories” to how are we going to build our day to make sure we are getting in protein and carbs to really enhance that transformation. Stagnation and plateaus are going to happen, so being able to recognize the work that has been done and remembering that those have happened before, but progress is still happening is so important. Its a journey and I really appreciate all of you that have joined me thus far. Love you all.