GYM GOALS
- Clare Drury
- Nov 23, 2016
- 3 min read
The gym is a place you’d go to get healthier, or so you’d think - but for me this time three years ago, I’d become unhealthier than ever. I’d beat all my personal bests, I could run faster and further than ever, spin class was a breeze. I’d lost weight but I’d also lost sight of looking after myself…
In the space of a couple of months, my once healthy gym habit spiraled into something worse. I’d downloaded an app on a whim where I tracked my calorie consumption and exercise called ‘My Fitness Pal’. I became obsessed with it and knew I’d gone too far as my mental health was suffering. I was feeling guilty for consuming more calories than I’d burned, I was scanning in everything I ate and pushing myself too far in gym sessions. When more unhealthy behaviours started to add up I realised that it needed to stop and received support.
I believe the reason I’d got to this point was because I wasn’t clear of why I was going to the gym. Yes, I’d had the free goal-setting sessions with a personal trainer, but I was fixated (as many women are) with losing weight. I’d become hooked on comments from friends saying that ‘I looked great’ and the aspirations I had were supported by all of the other parts of society: TV, music, advertising etc. My exercises at the gym were targeted at changing my ‘unacceptable’ body, they were driven by hating parts of myself. This is where I went wrong.
I have now realised, that we can be most successful at the gym when we find out why we are really going. For me, I’ve narrowed down my priorities/principles when at the gym and it’s been the best thing for me. I will share them here, in case they are of any help to you too.
MY GYM GOALS
TO HAVE FUN This isn’t a cheesy message, but a reality! I’m paying for this membership and exercise releases endorphins. I should be enjoying myself! If I’m not, it’s probably not right.
TO LOOK AFTER MY MENTAL HEALTH Mental health = physical health. Whatever goal I have for my body, it must be beneficial for my mind. I look after my mental health as much as my physical. If I feel stressed, maybe exercise can help (a good yoga class or a run does the trick!). If I feel down about myself, a Zumba class changes that in an instant and I feel like a goddess.
TO GET STRONGER I’ve rejected the need to lose weight. My body weight is perfectly healthy and I realised that actually, in terms of fitness, I’d rather learn to get stronger. I’ve got over my fear of the ‘man’s side of the gym’ and took on the weights and resistance training. Nothing I love more than a bicep curl or a deadlift. Stuff gender stereotypes!
Going to the gym or exercise in general can be brilliant for both your mental and physical health. I’ve found a really great routine for me, where the gym is important to me and where I come first. I’ve shared this post partly in warning of what an obsession with the gym can do to you. First and foremost, go to the gym for you, not other people. Rock those leggings, sweat it out in a combat class, YOU LOOK AMAZING (don’t worry). And if you’d prefer to walk the dog instead, that’s cool too. Choose what’s right for you and your body. You are so damn beautiful as you are.
If you are concerned about your eating or exercise habits, then please seek support <3 Chat to your GP like I did or see links below: https://www.b-eat.co.uk/
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