A Flopping Fish

Ariel here. I hope the spring is bringing you some much needed sunshine and happiness.

This past weekend I took my first in person dance theater class in 2 1/2 yrs. Before I went I had to give myself a brief little pep talk to remind myself since I was out of practice, it was going to be challenging and I had to be kind to myself.

To give a little context, when I was dancing and performing professionally, I was taking 2 dance classes per day, besides supporting myself by training clients and going to auditions. I was regularly exercising the part of my brain that has to pick up steps quickly, which is a skill that a dancer must practice in order to improve, to progress, and to get hired. This wonderful choreographer taught the entire dance in ten minutes, which in dancer terms is extremely fast. I was having trouble catching on, so when my friend asked me how it was, I responded:

I had fun, but.....I felt like a flopping fish

I am sharing this story with you because what I realized after this class was that even though I had been out of practice, at the end of it I was actually almost getting it, and that was enough for me to feel motivated to return. There is always a sense of satisfaction that goes along with getting through a challenge so even though I may have felt like a flopping fish for a little while, I knew I eventually would feel much more confident in my abilities. I would be motivated to continue, and the experience would not only be good for me, but more enjoyable as well.

To those of you who have been my fitness clients, you may have felt like that poor fish while trying to follow some of my dance cardio choreography, so don't worry, I know how you felt. But within a couple of workout sessions you had the chance to learn, to practice, and to progress so that the following sessions were easier to do because the routine was familiar.

This approach can also relate to your wellness and can be applied to nutrition and fitness.

How many times have you tried a new diet or a new workout only to do it for a short period of time. Because it was challenging or you made a mistake, you stopped and said it didn't work for you. How many times have you once been in great shape but no longer were and wanted to look and feel better as you once did.

You just have to get back into "class" and work through the challenges that come with trying new things even while feeling a little floppy. It's part of the "getting healthy" process, to try out those new eating habits or new workouts, to see what sticks, what motivates you and makes you feel really good. If you haven't worked out in a while, or not as much as you'd like, and you fear feeling like a flopping fish, try it again, because nothing necessarily feels great the first time we try it and you will improve.

It's important to remember that whenever you are starting something new or are out of practice, it will take some time until it becomes more doable or familiar again. You will inevitably slide back into old ways and make some mistakes, but as long as you can recognize this and try again, you will be practicing good habits. You will ultimately make better choices that lead you to improved health, increased confidence, and you will be empowered to make the right decisions. Over time, as you become more practiced you will feel less like a flopping fish and more like the healthy person you want to be. Your better choices might even become effortless, and you will have the added perk of looking and feeling fabulous.

Who doesn't want that?

Help is here. If you are struggling with the uncertainty of what is healthy to eat, and/or which workouts to do, go ahead and get in touch I would be happy to hear from you.

I hope you have a wonderful day, and more to come soon,
xoxo
Ariel