I saw this quote of facebook and it really resonated with me. Thank you to Marc David and Emily Rosen of the Psychology of Eating for these words of wisdom.
I love trail running and occasionally racing so I really understand the pleasure that can arise from pushing – pushing really hard to explore your limits and then try to break through them. I also like to explore my limits in the Pilates studio. I’ve also noticed over the years that the friends and clients that are the real ‘pushers’ seem to be the ones that are always struggling with injuries. I think it’s because when you’re in the mindset of pushing, you’re not always receptive to the messages that your body is sending.
It has surprised me while teaching how many people work out from a place of self-rejection and self-hate. In this highly negative space of judgement I feel like it’s almost impossible to tune in to your body. Also exercise should be pure joy, not a punishment. We are meant to MOVE. It feels fantastic if you’re moving in the right way. I had one client who insisted on looking down at the floor instead of in the mirror because she couldn’t stand to look at herself because she was so repulsed. ? The position of her neck was one thing, but what the heck? Sometimes we have to give ourselves a break and celebrate our good points. We all have them – sometimes we really need to redirect our focus. When you’re so busy hating yourself you really can’t pick up on the messages your body is sending your way.
“No pain no gain”? That’s probably a path down to a place called chronic injuries (not fun). Consistency, dedication, awareness, appreciation, joy of movement, work ethic, motivation, education…those are all words that are going to get you results.
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