Lifting Weights as Self Love
1) ✨I stopped using weight loss as a way to measure my progress✨
When I started lifting, I noticed my clothes fitting better, my body shaping out in the areas I was training, and noticeable fat loss, BUT my weight stayed the same, and in some weeks, increased. At that point, I considered the scale BS.
2)✨ I stopped focusing on being the smallest version of myself ✨
For some reason, 120 was a magic number to me, but to sustain that size, I had to do cardio for hours, and be extremely restrictive. My hair was thinning, I had no energy, and my emotions were all over the place. When I started building muscle, I had to eat to fuel my progress. I had so much more energy, and I could have a fit body without being a size 2.
3) ✨I started focusing on what my body can do ✨
Lifting started as a means to purely aesthetic goals. Now it’s a time of my day where I can focus only on me, hit PRs, and decompress. While I still have aesthetic goals, it’s no longer about changing my body and more about appreciating what it does for me.
Hope everyone finds a self love practice 🫶🏻
#gymmotivation#selflove#valentinesday #positiveenergy #lemon8challenge
Starting my own weight lifting journey was one of the best decisions I ever made for my self-love, and if you're feeling inspired by stories like mine, you might be wondering how to begin! It’s not just about pushing heavy weights; it’s about nurturing your body and mind in a way that feels empowering. When I first stepped into the gym, I felt a mix of excitement and intimidation. It seemed like everyone knew exactly what they were doing, and I was just fumbling with dumbbells. But I quickly learned that consistency and a focus on *progress*, not perfection, were key. My biggest tip for anyone starting is to prioritize form over weight. Seriously, watch some reputable YouTube tutorials or even consider a session with a trainer to learn the basics. Lifting with proper form not only prevents injuries but also helps you truly feel the muscles working, which is incredibly rewarding. Another game-changer for me was re-evaluating my relationship with food. When you're lifting, your body needs fuel! I stopped seeing food as something to restrict and started viewing it as energy for my workouts and recovery. Eating enough protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates became a way to support my body, not penalize it. This shift made a huge difference in my energy levels and how I felt overall – both in and out of the gym. It’s easy to get caught up in comparison or chase after a certain number on the scale, but remember what I shared in the main article: weight lifting is about so much more. I started celebrating non-scale victories (NSVs). Could I do an extra rep? Lift a slightly heavier weight? Run a little longer without feeling exhausted? These small wins collectively built my confidence and reinforced that my body was getting stronger and more capable. It wasn't about shrinking; it was about growing stronger and more resilient. Beyond the physical benefits, the mental clarity and stress relief I get from my lifting sessions are invaluable. It’s my 'me time,' a sanctuary where I can disconnect from daily pressures and focus solely on what my body can achieve. There are days when I don't feel like going, but I always remind myself how much better I feel afterward – energized, accomplished, and truly connected to my body. Building this routine has instilled a discipline and self-respect that spills over into every other area of my life. If you’re looking to embrace a self-love practice, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring weight lifting. Start small, be patient with yourself, and celebrate every step of the journey. Your body is capable of amazing things, and connecting with its strength can be one of the most profound acts of self-love you can undertake. It's truly transformed how I see myself, helping me appreciate my body for its power and resilience.
You’re gorgeous!!