There is no such thing as perfection. Life itself is imperfect! In fact, many things that were once considered defects in our genetic makeup helped to advanced our species. Though health is truly the key to living well, many of us obsess over our external appearance. We pick ourselves apart and compare ourselves to others. Accepting who we are and working to better that person is the first step in creating a healthy body image.
The second step is to stop criticizing yourself and start giving your body gratitude. Every time you look in the mirror, find something that you love instead of something you don’t like. Focus on that beautiful smile, those amazing eyes, that beautiful skin, those strong legs. Look past what you normally see and speak your gratitude out loud! For example: “I am grateful for these wonderful (fill in the blank) that give me the power to (fill in the blank). This shift in perspective will make space for greater self acceptance by replacing the negative emotion with positive energy.
Exercise is a critical part of a healthy body image. Simply by moving your body, you are creating “feel good” hormones that act as anti depressants. Keep this cycle consistent and you will be addicted to that great feeling. It doesn’t take much; a walk, hike, jog or bike in nature or 15-20 minutes of moderate to rigorous exercise daily will do the trick. When it comes to exercise, with the exception of overtraining, the more the better. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Make the time for your body. It will pay of ten fold at any age!
When we eat foods high in nutrition we feel better. Junk foods filled with sugar and processed ingredients steal nutrients from our bodies, leaving us feeling lethargic and wanting more. Commit to eating what is best for your body in the long term. When cravings for junk arise, look for an alternative food. Be prepared with healthy snacks so that go to junk is not necessary. Apple slices with almond butter or a delicious smoothie will give your body and mind a boost that lasts rather than a blast that leaves you crashing.
Speaking of food, what we feed our minds is a critical part of our own image. Focusing on an unrealistic (and often unreal) image of another person can be defeating. You are not just a body. You are art in motion, you are life! You can not be compared to someone in a magazine or a photo on instagram. You are one of a kind, please do not wish you were someone else. REMINDER: everyone has imperfections, and some people are really good at photoshop and yes, they take hours getting the right angle. Health is beauty. It’s up to each one of us to stand for this cause to change the perception that we need to be someone else to be beautiful.
Kindness is the highest form of beauty. It is contagious! Extend kindness to yourself, to those you love, and beyond your world to those you have not even met. Kindness is under rated, it can change your entire world so make it the priority in all you do. It is the mark of highly intelligent person to give without expectation of receiving.
Cultivate gratitude for your health. Replace that self deprecating thought with a positive one. Show your body kindness with exercise. Fuel your body with foods that promote health. Fill your mind with images that actually improve its state! These are all acts of kindness, and acts of health. There is no one like you, take pride in your awesome originality so that together we can make health our biggest priority.
Cheers,
Coach Michelle
Exercise makes FEEL GOOD hormones!
Gumsaba Fitness Class schedule Friday 2/26/16
5:30AM Sunrise Danville Womens class – Coach Michelle + Coach Jentry – Relay!
5:30AM Sunrise Danville Mens class – Coach Joel – Relay!
6AM Sunup Morga Womens only Class – Coach Briana – Relay!
8:15AM Sunshine Moraga Womens only Class – Coach Briana – Relay!
9AM Sunshine Walnut Creek Womens only class – Coach Michelle – Relay!
11:00AM Cytosport Intermediate Circuit Training – Coach Michelle (private class)
12:00PM Cytosport Advanced Circut Training – Coach Michelle (private class)
1PM Cytosport Power Yoga – Coach Jentry (private class)