Before You Change It, Thank It!
I was speaking to a group last week when someone asked a question about how to “fix”her arms (as she pointed to what most people refer to as chicken wings). This is one of the most common types of questions I get asked when talking to clients about their goals.
We all have things that we want to change about ourselves and typically clients come to me with some physical attribute they want to change in order to look better. Usually it has something to do with arms, abs, legs and booty. Through answering the question above, I shared a personal moment that changed my perspective when it comes to “fixing” ourselves.
For me, I always had a bit of a leg complex. Too big, not long enough, yada, yada, yada. (Being a performer can mess with your mind like this.) I know it sounds crazy to everyone else, but the wish for my legs to be longer was real. (Rockette dreams 🤷♀️). You will be pleased to hear that desire went completely out the window when I went through my hip injury. This period was important in multiple ways but especially because it forced me to reconsider the importance of these good ol' legs of mine.
During my recovery one of the things that hit me as I was getting better and better was: “Wow! My legs are amazing! Thank you!"
I never appreciated the ability to walk so much before in my life. The fact that I could finally walk without pain felt miraculous. This perspective has now over flowed into not only how I handle my own personal physical challenges when they arise, but for my clients as well when they want to get rid of their “chicken wings”.
Here's where I am going with this. Next time you find yourself looking in a mirror wanting to change something about yourself or a body part,
Thank it first!
If you want to get rid of your mummy tummy, first thank it for all that it has done for you, and for what it continues to do.
If you want to get toned arms, first thank them for all that they have done for you, and for what they continue to do.
If you want to change your legs and booty, first thank them for keeping you moving and for how they will continue to do so.
Learning to appreciate your body for what it does for you every day will lead you to want to treat it better. Appreciating your body first will ultimately incentivize you to take the necessary steps to look and feel your best.
With that said: thank your body today.
Ok, so you have thanked your body today. Now what?
Still feel like you want to make changes towards looking and feeling better, but might be too busy to start?
I hear you, and invite you to chat with me so we can come up with a fitness and nutrition strategy that can lead you to the strength, tone, and power you were built for.