Hi there! I have been meaning to write down some tips that helped me in my fitness journey. I do not know for a fact if this will work for everyone, but I wanted to have it as a reminder for myself and if it helps someone at all, even better!
I started consistently working out about about eight months ago, I think. Tbh I never quite enjoyed doing exercise. Additionally, I have some back conditions that do not really allow me to lift heavy weights or run, so that makes matters a bit more complicated. I tried becoming fit when the pandemic started but 1) I did not enjoy it quite much and 2) I did not commit fully with my eating habits, so I saw results but they were not as great and I stopped being consistent.
So when I began again, I made sure to find an activity that I would enjoy. For me, it was cardio. Then eventually I started lifting some weights, and targetting certain body parts (legs, arms, abs). I also went on a calorie deficit, but making sure I was not so strict on myself. I never stopped eating fast food, drinking when out with friends, or denied myself any food if I was craving it. I just looked for healthier options to eat / ways to cook -- it worked!
So here are my tips:
- For working out, Growwithjo became my best friend. Her cardio workouts are literally like dancing, and so much fun. She is super empowering and I absolutely love her. I think she is the reason I lost weight so quickly... even my nutritionist told me to cut off those videos a bit haha.
- My other two working out buddies are Caroline Girvan and Heather Robertson. Heather has some cool abs and leg/glute workouts . And Caroline Girvan is AMAZING at strengthning routines. I use her consistently and she has sooo much variety of videos.
- Regarding food, as I said above I went on a calorie deficit. This also means I made a nutrition "plan" (this was NOT guided by a professional at the time) that allowed me to stay full for longer periods of time, but I NEVER skipped a meal. I stopped using regular oil and use oil spray now - this was huge. I also started eating quinoa almost every day, and substituting regular bread for wholemeal bread. I changed my cheese to a low fat option, and my ham for a low sodium one. I also started using the air fryer daily, cut off frozen foods, and learnt some healthy snack options to eat weekly. There are some other specifics I did, but I think those were the game changers for me.
- It is okay to eat fast food and sweets every once in a while. I think in the long term it is wrong to avoid them at all, or using them as "cheat meals". It is just food! You can be strict if you want, but I think the key is to enjoy the process. Eating a BigMc with fries on a Friday and going out for an ice cream on a Sunday is definitely not gonna cancel all the work outs you did during the week. It is all about balance, and keeping consistent the rest of the days.
- Show up for yourself! If you do not feel like doing weights today, that is fine. But then go on a walk for 40 minutes. I guarantee you, you will feel better afterwards. Also do not push yourself too hard, it is absolutely possible to get results without feeling like dying in the process. You will start to feel stronger and healthier within weeks.
- It does not matter how much weight you lose. If you do not learn to love yourself and your body, you will be constantly anxious and/or it will never be enough. Of course looking fit is empowering, but if you go down the "how much more can i lose?" road, it can also lead to eating disorders. So try to focus your journey as "I am doing this to be healthier, and if it gives results, even better". This will make it more exciting when you do. Make sure to be kind to yourself :)
That is all. If you have any questions I am happy to reply. Hope it helps someone!
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/loseit/comments/vlhy6q/i_lost_20_pounds_within_four_months_using_youtube/
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