I don’t go to the gym; I’m not a health expert or a personal trainer. I’ve had 8 spine surgeries and have a weak shoulder due to repeat dislocations. These tips should not be seen as advice, but rather food for thought. They are exactly what helped me and might help you to transform your body.
What do I mean by transform your body?
This isn’t a crash-course on slimming down to look a certain way. I believe a transformation is personal to each individual. Everything from learning to appreciate food and not feel guilty; losing a few pounds, toning up and living a healthier lifestyle.
I’m competing with myself to be the best – Aaliyah
Live how you want to look
I collaborated with the charity Head Talks last year to create the post: 5 lessons on mental health. One of the speakers Jamin Quereshi, shared his story of being homeless to a now successful sports coach. Helping the best athletes, he teaches them to get into the minds of the person they aspire to.
As an example, let’s say your goal is to be a bodybuilder. What would a bodybuilder eat? How would they wake up? How many times will they exercise each day?
You can apply this concept to anything. Questioning the life of a person who has want you want will force you to reevaluate your life and ask whether you are actually working towards your plans.
2016 – 2017Decide why
I hated my body. I kind of hated myself. And through transitioning, I opened up my eyes to realise that I am much more capable and stronger than I thought.
I fully believe in health and trying your best to take care of you. It has completely changed my life.
I don’t think that you can go on a journey if you are thinking of looking like a person on Instagram. Or trying to make your ex jealous; trying to prepare for a holiday.
You have to decide why you want to transform. You need that reminder to keep you going when you start thinking of giving up.
Know that progress is not lost
In the couple of years that I have been making a conscious effort to ensure wellness, my body has gone back and forth. There are times (usually in the summer) where my ab definition is more on show. Moments where my waist appears slimmer.
Always believe that the impossible is always possible – Selena Quintanilla
To me it’s a marathon. I’m not trying to race and I don’t have a specific image in sight. I’m aware that life happens and occasionally my depression gets in the way or heartache takes over. But the difference is, is that I keep going back.
I keep reminding myself why it’s important.
Remember love
Start at a place of love. Please don’t do what I did and keep telling yourself the things to fix.
Positivity stems positivity – why transform your body from a bad place? Why not transform it to an even better place?
Think about the benefits of nutrition; remove the feeling that you have cut taste for health. I do indulge – forever a sweet-tooth. Though I don’t regret it now. It’s a case of enjoying and then moving on.
I don’t have the world’s best body or the most incredible abs. I guess I do what I can and accept the shape that goes with that.
Utilise people and technology
I spoke about the app Remente before. It is free but you can upgrade to a paid version.
There is a list of goals and ambitions for you to choose from. I selected around 6. These include: morning habits for your health, strengthen your social skills, appreciate yourself and eat healthier.
If I don’t love myself, I won’t survive – Lisa Lopes (Left Eye)
The app then has a set of tasks for me to complete for each goal. Each day I set a day plan and then in the evening I spend more time going over additional tasks. I also rate my mood daily to keep track of how it develops and through read all the courses and boosters available.
I know people can view social-media – particularly Instagram, as negative and not enjoyable. But I beg for those to reconsider.
Photo by Joanna Kosinska on UnsplashWhen I started, I posted my before shots and used my account as a fitness diary. I met the nicest and greatest people. Online friends that I still support and speak to on a daily basis. Their stories are inspirational; some have gone through so much and their workouts have kept them going.
Interacting with them is encouraging, though if that’s not your thing, it’s good to find another blogger or person in your life who understands you’re transitioning.
Do you have any tips that helped you transform your body? Or do you have particular fitness goals that you want to work on?
If you loved this post, read: Tackle Your Fitness Excuses
This is such a great post. I am always writing and preaching love. Everything needs to begin there. Love yourself and your body. Then, you are ready to begin the transformation.
You did a great job of transforming yourself. Balance is so important in life. A healthy diet and active life is so important. Too many of us take it for granted.
Thank you for this post. It gives hope to others who want to change their own figures. It shows them that it can be done.
Thank you for reading. I am still in a process of transitioning, but it’s more about health and being the best version of myself.
I agree, health is one of the most valuable assets in life. But because most of us are given it for free, we take it for granted.
That is so true. I like the way you think
Start at a place of love – So true! I love how you shared your personal triumph yet urge the reader to find their own from a place of acceptance and love. Great post as always!
Thank you! I think this topic is so individual to each person. That if you were to try and copy what’s out there or follow someone else, you wouldn’t be able to properly transform. I always love reading your thoughts.
You are very welcome.
These are some great tips/ideas and i think you’re so right like you have to make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons and for yourself rather than anyone else x
All through my teenage years I was dieting, not eating and calorie counting. I was just trying to look like models on the TV and I felt miserable. So doing it now for health and for mental well being, has made me much happier. x
love this post! working on my transformation this year!
Thank you and good luck!
with AWESOME stuff
Very inspiring tips and I totally agree the words “Blieve that the impossible is always possible” such a nice quote Laura u always come up
Thank you! That quote is not mine but it is awesome! 🙂
Great post, like all your insightful tips !
Thank you! 🙂
Great tips girl and I totally agree that you want to keep fit and stay healthy for yourself and not to impress or compare yourself to others. You look great btw girl <3
Thank you lovely! I don’t think you can find true contentment in your appearance if you are focusing on someone else or hoping that they will appreciate it. x