Fitness + Better Health=Self Confidence

Self confidence is what gets us through the rough times and helps us achieve more than we ever thought we could. It comes from liking who we are both inside and out. Many times people have lower self esteem when they look in the mirror and see something they don’t like. Suddenly that one flaw is what makes us unable to do what we want with our lives. We see it as a great obstacle that is preventing us from having a better job, a more successful relationship, or just a better future in general. We view it as something that cannot be overcome in order to see our dreams come to life.  

Self confidence often starts with the way we see ourselves in regards to how we think others view us.  Therefore it comes as no surprise; increased self esteem is directly linked to living a healthier life. Surprisingly, “For some time now, it has been common knowledge that exercise is good for one’s physical health. It has only been in recent years, however, that it has become commonplace to read in magazines and health newsletters that exercise can also be of value in promoting sound mental health.” (1). It’s surprising, because when you consider the rush of adrenaline you get when working out it just makes sense that you will feel more relaxed and more focused after a good workout. You know, how great you feel when you have accomplished something you previously though impossible…you feel ready to take on the world. As a personal trainer, I have seen the direct link between fitness and self confidence. There is nothing like seeing the excitement in someone’s face when they have met a fitness challenge head on, and beat it. I would venture to say it’s close to the best feeling in the world.

When you consider the link between mental and physical health, it’s confusing as to why we always put it on the back burner when we are not directly faced with it. We all have made plans on New Years that this will be the year we drop those few pounds and get stronger, but why wait until New Years to make such a decision, you deserve a better future now.  The first step is to stop seeing all the bad when you look in the mirror-or at least stop listening to yourself. Instead, tell yourself you are going to make a change for the better, and that you deserve it. I have talked before about the importance of positive affirmations and there is no better time to start than when you think you are at your lowest point. “Use hopeful statements. Treat yourself with kindness and encouragement. Pessimism can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. That is, if you think your [life] isn't going…well, you may indeed stumble through it. Try telling yourself things such as, ‘Even though it's tough, I can handle this situation’." (2). Just by telling yourself you are committed to change you are beginning to boost your confidence already. You may not like what you see now, but begin to “see” what you will accomplish with your decision to live a healthier life.  Your next step is to make a fitness plan and get ready to stick to it. Getting health is hard work, but it’s hard work which will pay off the rest of your life. I ask you to give yourself a weekly challenge.

Fitness levels are different for every person. Look at where you are now and start there. For example, maybe a challenge for you is getting stronger (if you are already active), so instead of running one mile, run 1 ½ or 2 miles. Perhaps you cannot make to the door of the grocery if you park too far out, without arriving at the door out of breath. So, begin by parking two spots further away each time. Each time you complete one of these challenges, reward yourself. Tell yourself how far you have come, and remind yourself how much closer you are to reaching your fitness goals. These personal challenges are just that, personal. Pick something that you want to accomplish and set logical steps to get there. Challenges are made to be faced and overcome; if they were not then there would be no need to call them a challenge.

Don’t feel bad if it takes you awhile to meet your challenge goals-never give up! Even if it takes you a week, a month, or a year, the more you are determined to overcome it the better chance you have at succeeding. Your body will be sore, you will get frustrated, and you are going to be exhausted, but you are going to be healthier. Forget looking in the mirror and seeing all the negative things. After you begin challenging yourself and setting more goals, you will lose count of all the great things you see when you look at yourself. Fitness is after all about a healthier body and mind. So what are you waiting for? Go, you have exciting things to accomplish!

(1)  http://www.fitness.gov/mentalhealth.htm

(2)  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/self-esteem/MH00129/NSECTIONGROUP=2