3 things I wish I knew when I started lifting:
1. You cannot outwork a bad diet.
In my own experience when I first started lifting I noticed muscle gain but no fat loss for a while at first. This is because I was consuming highly processed and artificial foods, thinking that the gym would cancel it all out and I would slim down anyways. This is not true, the gym can only do so much for slimming down and toning up whenever you aren’t feeding your body the right foods with the right nutrients. I recommend following the 80/20 method. 80% of the time focus on whole, natural, and lean foods while 20% of the time is for sweet treats, eating out, etc.
2. Your body needs rest.
No matter how guilty it makes you feel to have a rest day your body needs it to help your muscles recover from a week of training. For me, on Saturday’s I have an active rest day, I don’t lift on these days, I walk 30 minutes on the treadmill and do a body weight core circuit. This allows my body to calm down from a week of lifting. On Sundays, I don’t go to the gym at all, this is my complete rest day!! The guilt is something you just have to push through, it’s totally normal to feel this way, just remind yourself that you’re doing good for your body.
3.Being able to lift is a privilege.
There will be so many days in your lifetime where you feel unmotivated, too tired, or insecure about the way you look. This is your brain playing tricks on you. No matter how tired you are, it is a privilege to wake up and know you are able to go move your body and do good for yourself. Only YOU can show up for yourself, no one else can do it for you. No matter how hard it is, push through these bad days with perseverance. At the end of the day you will thank yourself so much more for getting up and going rather than staying home.
When embarking on a lifting journey, it's crucial to understand some foundational concepts that can greatly influence your success. Firstly, a balanced diet is essential; prioritize whole foods over processed options to ensure your body receives the necessary nutrients for optimal performance. Implementing the 80/20 rule can help you maintain this balance, allowing for occasional indulgences while primarily focusing on clean eating. Secondly, don't underestimate the importance of rest days. Allowing your body adequate time to recover is vital for muscle repair and growth. Incorporate active rest days where you engage in light activities, such as walking or yoga, to keep blood flowing without undue strain on your muscles. This approach not only aids in recovery but also helps prevent burnout. Lastly, fostering a positive mindset about your lifting journey is key. Embrace the days when you feel less motivated, reminding yourself that the privilege of movement and progress is worth pushing through the mental barriers. Persistence during tough times will ultimately lead to greater rewards and a stronger connection with your fitness goals. By remembering these core lessons, you can cultivate a successful, balanced approach to lifting that prioritizes your well-being and long-term results.
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