January can often feel like a serious month for many of us. As the holiday festivities fade and the new year begins, there's a cultural push toward setting ambitious health and fitness goals. With gyms crowded and social media buzzing with transformation stories, it's easy to succumb to the pressure of taking our fitness journeys too seriously. However, it's crucial to recognize that while motivation is essential, balance and enjoyment are equally important.
The Traditional Mindset: More, More, More
In many fitness environments, there exists a prevailing mentality of "push harder" and "do more." We often associate masculinity with strength, stamina, and relentless drive. This mindset can inspire us to be more disciplined and committed to our health, leading to significant achievements. Yet, it can also breed an environment where fun and creativity are sidelined in favor of rigid routines and intense workouts.
That is certainly helpful up to a certain extent, it gives us drive and motivation towards what is meaningful for us.
And it also sucks all the fun out of it if we only focus on this. Here's the invitation to invite the whimsy back in: you don't have to take it quite so seriously (and i'm not saying it;s not of importance to you when I say that).
Why not include a bit of laughter? Let not hitting the 'ideal' number of sessions this week be enough, be ok with lifting less today, messing something up, and having more fun.
Here's your invitation to be a little more whimsical.
To do something because you're interested in it, not because of what you think the outcome might be.
Here's a little experiment I'm going to run with myself this month (why not try it with me too?):
Consider creating a “fitness playday.”
On this day, allow yourself to engage in any activity you find enjoyable, without the pressure of measuring results.
How to Create Your Playday:
- Choose Your Activity: This could be anything from dancing in your living room, hiking with friends, or trying out a new workout class.
- Invite Others: Make it a social event. The more, the merrier! Invite friends or family to join you.
- Leave the Metrics Behind: Focus solely on enjoyment. Don’t track calories burned or workouts completed. Just have fun!
- Reflect: After your playday, take a moment to reflect on how you feel. Did you enjoy the experience? Were you able to laugh and unwind?
Incorporating more fun and flexibility into your health and fitness journey doesn’t diminish your commitment; rather, it enhances it. By allowing room for enjoyment, you are more likely to foster a sustainable relationship with exercise and a healthier lifestyle. Fitness is a lifelong journey filled with ups and downs—embracing the lighter side can lead to greater fulfillment and long-term success.
So, as you embark on your goals this January, ask yourself: why so serious?
Allow for drive, motivation AND fun, playfulness.
Both are helpful.
Let’s make this year not just about achieving results but relishing the journey along the way.
And if you'd enjoy somewhere that doesn't take itself so seriously, that feels comfortable and spacious and with a great view, why not try your trial session or trial week with us here.
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