Last week, as I scrolled through my phone for photos for my PT profile on the Level Up website, I stumbled upon some old pictures from October 2020. Looking at them, I couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast in my physique from then to now.
It’s no surprise that my fitness level has dropped, but seeing those old photos made me wish I had stayed on track. This is a common sentiment among my clients: “I used to be fitter, but then work took over, and I haven’t exercised in ages.” As trainers, we face similar struggles. We can empathize because we’ve been there too.
Reflecting on my journey, I wanted to understand how things went downhill and share my insights with you. This isn’t about technicalities; it’s about real-life experiences and lessons.
The Gradual Decline
Achieving and maintaining a fit physique requires consistency and patience. Conversely, the decline happens gradually. In June 2022, I switched jobs from Fitness First to Anytime Fitness. To my surprise, I wasn’t allowed to work out during work hours. This wasn’t the sole reason for my decline, but it was a significant obstacle. As my workout frequency dropped, so did my discipline with diet and cardio. One missed workout led to another, and before I knew it, I was in a downward spiral.
Lessons Learned
1. Snowball Effect of Bad Habits
Bad habits accumulate over time. By the time you realize it, it’s often too late. I’m now struggling to regain my health and physique and promise myself not to repeat the same mistakes.
2. Taking Things for Granted
I forgot how much effort it took to get fit in the first place. I used my challenging circumstances as an excuse to slack off, thinking I could afford it.
3. Distractions and Shifting Priorities
During challenging times in my career, I focused more on work and neglected my health and fitness. I should have balanced both, regardless of the difficulties.
4. Lack of Discipline
Discipline is more important than motivation. I should have maintained discipline even when motivation was low. Laziness quickly becomes a habit if unchecked.
Reflecting on these lessons, I’m determined to change my approach and stay on track. Let us remember, the journey to fitness is a marathon, not a sprint. Let’s together stay disciplined and prioritize our health, no matter the obstacles.
A New Beginning
These days, I’m back to prioritising on my fitness and health, determined to make sure I learned from previous mistakes. I managed to drop 10kg from last year, a slower rate comparing to last time.
Follow my fitness journey on Instagram at Infinite Fitness Coaching. You’ll find daily workout videos and training programs that you can follow to achieve your fitness goals.
If you have any questions, feel free to DM me. Thank you for reading!
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