Things I've Learned in the Gym Over 2 Years 🏋🏽♀️👟🥗🎧🌟
Starting my journey in the gym has been my greatest blessing! Show up up whether it's a good day or a bad one, these are a few things I've learned over the past 2 years! Remember everyone is different and it's a learning process:)
📝Personal fitness goals: I wanted to lower body fat percentage on my body but at the end of the day just be stronger! I grew up being pretty active as a dancer but after finishing school and getting desk job, I needed to figure out a new way to stay active!
💪Workout challenges faced: As a PCOS girlie my weight is constantly changing. Some days I am way puffier than others and my energy is not the same. Focusing on nutrition has helped a lot with balancing out my hormones and controlling my sugar cravings
🏋🏽♀️Weightlifting strategies: Build the weight up and stop comparing yourself to others. I'm a petite girl and am not walking into the gym expecting to be able to lift 200lbs like it's nothing. Do what suits your body!
Following trainers and influencers similar to my body type has made a huge difference!
🍎Nutrition advice: Cater your diet to your own needs. I can make a video about what I've done focusing on my PCOS with what supplements have helped, and what my diet consists of if that helps!
Starting and maintaining a gym routine over two years is a journey full of learning, especially when managing a condition like PCOS. One critical lesson is capturing progress with photos regularly. Even when the scale doesn’t show significant changes, visual evidence can motivate and reveal subtle transformations. Another fundamental strategy is gradual progression in lifting weights. This concept, known as progressive overload, emphasizes increasing the weight or reps little by little, recognizing that even a small improvement counts toward overall strength. Weight fluctuations, particularly common with PCOS, highlight why it's crucial not to obsess over the scale. Hormonal imbalances can cause water retention and puffiness, misleading the perception of progress. Additionally, building muscle can increase weight but improve body composition, resulting in a leaner appearance despite higher numbers on the scale. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in balancing hormones and reducing sugar cravings often experienced with PCOS. The 80/20 rule is a realistic and sustainable diet approach: eating healthy 80% of the time allows flexibility to enjoy treats without guilt. Gradual dietary adjustments are more effective than abrupt changes, as they support long-term adherence. Following fitness influencers and trainers who share a similar body type or health challenges can provide personalized workout ideas and inspiration. This tailored approach avoids discouragement from unrealistic comparisons and helps set achievable fitness goals. Overall, consistency in showing up - regardless of mood or obstacles - combined with nutrition and individualized workout strategies, forms the backbone to success. Transforming a once sedentary lifestyle into an active routine is empowering, especially when supported by patience and a positive mindset toward progress beyond just weight loss.