Sneaky ways we sabotage our fitness
When you're just getting back to exercise or trying to re-establish a movement routine - whether postpartum, post-injury, or post-pandemic - I’d encourage you to look beyond free YouTube videos + cheap apps …
The other day I was browsing my local Moms Facebook group — a font of answers + information for everything you could ever want (or not want) to know.
I came across a post from a mom that said due to kids/work/pandemic she hasn’t been doing much in the way of movement. And she isn’t sure how to restart + actually stick to a routine…
The common responses were well-intentioned, but problematic.... Here's why:
😬 "Start small with 10 minute sessions on YouTube! Lots of great free options!"
❌ I LOVE the idea of starting small + easing into it.... but "free YouTube" ain't it. If you’re struggling to create consistency, diving down the dark + endless rabbit hole of YouTube is NOT the way to stay on track. What you need is external accountability — both from another expert human, and the spending of your hard-earned dollars.
👍 Solution? Pay for fitness. Find a trainer or group program that offers short, realistic sessions that can start you off slow and gradually build your strength + skills. 10,20, 30 minutes DOES make a difference, especially if they are intentionally designed by an expert for progress, and you’ve invested (literally $) in showing up.
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😬 “Sign up for the XYZ app! There are HUNDREDS of workouts to choose from!”
❌ Faced with 100’s of workouts to choose from, very often we will choose… None. The overwhelm is real, and too many options leads to inaction. Plus, unless you’re a fitness professional, chances are you simply don’t know what makes a successful training program anyway.
👍 Solution? Stop trying to DIY. Sign up for classes/a program/training that follows a clear program, and has a specific goal, and let the expert take care of the rest. Focus on your own zone of genius + other myriad of responsibilities, and release yourself from the stress of trying to figure out what to do when it comes to fitness.
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😬 “Come to Suzy’s bootcamp/Crossfit class! It’s such a great community + SO motivating! You’ll love it!”
❌ (I’m speaking in broad generalities here but…) Most bootcamp/Crossfit/HIIT classes are simply too intense for individuals who are coming back to fitness after time away, or with any sort of restrictions/limitations. The community is inspiring…. But that may encourage you to push yourself to a point where your body is not ready to go. Crossfit communities are tight knit…and the injuries are PLENTIFUL. The focus in these formats is often quantity over quality, and doesn’t take the time to truly develop a solid foundation of skills + ability.
👍 Solution? Choose quality > quantity. Sign up for a training program that has a group element, but progresses more mindfully + also really focuses on technique. Community is a powerful factor, both for accountability + enjoyment. But you’ll enjoy it even more if you feel truly confident in your movements, and don’t worry about getting injured.
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In conclusion:
Dropping in for a HIIT class here and a barre class there is lovely (any movement is better than no movement), but if you’re looking to see progress + change + truly affect your physical wellbeing, you should:
📍Invest — for the accountability AND expertise
📍Stop trying to DIY — release the pressure + stress, and let a pro help
📍Choose quality + intention, over high reps + challenges (but make it group)
Sick of trying to DIY your program with free videos?
Book a call with me if you’re ready to invest, let a pro help, and choose quality + intention.
I'd love to chat about how I can help.