Growing up, I saw my male friends go to the gym as part of their teenage routine, which is a given in the secret boy-to-man manual, just like playing video games or watching soccer. But what I didn’t see were girls rushing to the CrossFit party. Only when an opportunity approaches or too many relatives make “chubby” jokes at gatherings do women choose the fitness path. Of course there are exceptions – girls who are athletic as children and who play sports out of passion, but this ratio is far small compared to previous observation.
The question here is why is there a huge contradiction between the two sexes when it comes to approaching fitness. For the ladies, it’s often etched with a vanity purpose rather than getting stronger or fitter. Fitness advisor and health coach (formerly at Cure Fitness) Zaid Palla shares his two cents on the subject. It begins with puberty for both girls and boys. While the boys continue to be out and about doing sports and athletics, suddenly girls are asked not to play too much in the sun or take up too much activity. Times change now and so do perceptions, but back then, when girls were supposed to develop this relationship with the great outdoors, they were burdened with uncertainties about body image and hormonal changes. As soon as they grow up between education and career, fitness takes a back seat. “
It is time that this narrative was changed for good. For starters, here’s what you can do.
Change your mindset
It doesn’t matter what the numbers on the scale indicate; Fitness has to be a part of your routine. Appearances can be deceiving; Focus on strength, energy, and endurance. Healthy or not, it doesn’t depend on the size of your clothes. It’s a reflection of your lifestyle. Start slowly but start somewhere. Pick up simple activities that you enjoy doing that include exercise. Keep 30 minutes of your day to your physical health by looking at the bigger picture. Whether you’re leaner or taller, the rules don’t change. Especially in times like today, your fitness and immunity are valuable assets.
Personally, it took me a while to look at fitness from a holistic approach rather than looking at it as a concentration camp. I assumed I would torture my body with 40 minutes of cardio and two hours of exercise a day to listen to my body and find a balance between clean eating and moderate sweating. For me now, weight loss is a by-product, not the ultimate journey.
Become your own version of sane
Social media and Photoshop culture has convinced young girls that stretch marks, cellulite, and that little pouch on your stomach that holds your organs are uncool. Contrary to popular belief, not only are these things natural and healthy, they also have very little to do with your external beauty. Embrace every curve, edge, and bump without buffing anything. You can love your body even if you are constantly working on it. Celebrate the little milestones of your fitness journey because there is no destination when it comes to it. Has changing your habit fixed your relationship with food? Has it improved your sleep cycle and skin? These are the signs that you are getting it right. No short cuts, immediate fads, and miracle diets will be sustainable in the long run.
Exercise to learn a skill
“I always tell all my clients, especially women, to find their inner child and let go of all inhibitions. Children do not care about the world – they climb a tree, hang on a pole and use their energy to the maximum. This is exactly how women have to approach the topic of fitness. Whether you go to the gym or exercise, focus on improving a skill and training for it, you will find that your body is changing naturally. Take the concept of weight loss out of the equation and you will break free of social pressures and then see the results; That will make the difference, ”said the fitness trainer.
If you have existential anxiety about running on a treadmill, you need to stop! That doesn’t work for you. Find something that you would like to do or learn. it is never too late. Ride your bike again. Take the club that you were almost a pro with. A sport that fascinated you. Strength training interests you, find a trainer and get on with it. Does Pilates feel like your jam? You can now learn at home. A dance form that you secretly wished you knew? Congratulations, the internet is now teaching them all.
The idea is that you find your calling. Don’t just follow the herd and jump into the next fancy trend. Go back to the basics. Think of it as game time rather than punishment. Find your crew or go alone but make this a priority rather than a burden. Ultimately, the way you look becomes an added bonus to the way you felt.
