Here at Fitbody Fitness, we are finding that people did one of two things during the pandemic: they took the opportunity to work out and make positive changes. Or they simply abandoned the idea of exercise for a while.
If you were one of the ones who began working out like crazy — swinging and pressing hunks of metal at home or at the gym — you may have noticed the changes to your body. In fact, doing this may have you making some comparisons to what your body looked like when you started this regimen. Perhaps you began thinking your traps aren’t big enough, your core isn’t toned enough, or your arms need more definition.
According to a recent NPR article, it turns out a lot of people were feeling similarly. "There was a greater anxiety about body image during the lockdown," says Ornella Corazza, professor of addictive behavior at the University of Hertfordshire. They talked to experts for tips on how to keep comfortable with your body, even as it changes, and here are a few of their findings.
NPR’s Andrew Limbong and Audrey Ngueyn stress that instead of focusing on aesthetic changes, consider how exercising can improve your quality of life. “Study after study shows exercise is good for your physical health, as well as your mental health,” they said. “Exercise can help lower your risk of heart disease. Aerobic exercises have been proven to reduce anxiety and depression.
Reebok’s Maillard Howell (who also owns a fitness studio) says when he works with clients, he doesn't promise them they'll be "the most ripped person on the beach" or that they'll get strong enough to qualify for the CrossFit games. Instead, he tells them, "you're going to be able to play with your kids without getting out of breath." The process of "getting into shape" isn't just a physical journey but a mental and emotional one as well.
It’s important to remember that we not only have a body, but we are our body. And our bodies are not machines. Don’t sideline getting in touch with feelings, with sensation ... asking yourself how you feel. Corazza says that seeing fitness as purely a means to get more attractive can lead people to compulsive exercise, disordered eating, depression, and performance-enhancing drugs. “It's normal to shift your behavior as you're working towards or training for a fitness goal, but the key question is who is in control? Are you in control of your life, or [are] certain behavioral things controlling you?"
Limbong and Ngyuen offer some questions to consider:
Are your exercise habits compulsive, or do you have control over them?
If you aren't able to exercise, do you feel symptoms of withdrawal?
Do exercise plans take precedence over plans with friends and family?
Does your exercise regimen impact your eating behavior or sleeping patterns?
“Comparison is the thief of joy," says one expert. Don’t get caught up in comparing yourself to others on Instagram, constantly comparing your body to other bodies populating your feed. Remember that we're all built differently and our lives are all surrounded by different criteria, whether or not you have kids at home. There are a slew of variables.
Of course, exercise is not defined by a single act. Whether it’s lifting weights, doing circuits, practicing yoga or participating in spin classes, find a fitness facility that resonates with you. In addition to what we offer, gyms often offer free trials to see what other forms of exercise can do for you. Each has a different vibe, so if one is not the right fit for you, head over to the next one.
Some of our clients aren’t that keen on doing exercise outside of our sessions, and that’s okay too. Some do more recreational activities, like hiking, rock climbing, swimming laps, or play on a recreational soccer team. For long-term benefits, consistency is key.
If you need help identifying a goal, work with us to figure out what you can do to improve your health. We welcome input from your doctor, such as being apprised of your resting heart rate or blood pressure. Then once you've set your goal, figure out when you want to accomplish it and work backward from there. It’s the small steps that can make the larger task feel more achievable while offering the key to staying motivated.
Aside from your planned days of rest, you may just not be up to full-blown exercise. On those days, keeping going in the direction of your long-term goal, but ease up a bit. Walk instead of run. Swim fewer laps. Cut your time on the elliptical. Just stretch. No matter what you do, it will have an effect.