What is progress

We hear it all the time. If there is no struggle, there is no progress. True. However, many people assume progress is a path that leads one out of the darkness. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many times, one can progress even deeper into that rabbit hole. I guess it originates in ones mindset. But, I do believe, we are all wired to progress to a positive outcome. At least we'd like to think that out hard work, or struggle, will keep the gas in the car and keep us moving forward. This couldn't be more true than in the world of fitness! Let's take some time and explore what progress looks like in your fitness world.

When a potential client comes to Bodyware, he/she is given a thorough consultation. The number one question I ask is about their fitness goals. Sure, you have to have a reason why you are considering our services. But for the most part, many do not go deep enough. The reasons vary from weight loss to more energy to doctor's orders to very specific body parts that need to be address. That's a start. Now the next question is WHY are these goals important to you? This is where the 'true' reason reveal themselves. At times it can be very painful, other times quite mind-blowing. This process is like peeling away the outer layers to get at the root of the problem. So for instance, if your goal is weight loss, maybe you want to lose weight is so you can feel re-connected with your spouse or you want to lose weight because your mother died of complications from diabetes and you don't want the same for you. Your goal is to lose your belly. Well maybe the real reason is so you can attract the opposite sex and feel confident in yourself, the feel better naked reason. I can go on and on but the point is the first reason is just the tip of the iceberg. You have to dig deeper within yourself to reveal the true pain that you have been experiencing. Once we establish the true reason for your pain, then needing to understand previous attempts to quell that pain is next. What we try to do is to learn what didn't work before and why. Makes no sense to try to repeat what doesn't or hasn't worked in the past. Now that all this information and emotions are understood then can we begin drawing your map that will allow you to progress, step by step. Knowing where we start, understanding the path(s) or route(s) needed to take, allowing ourselves pitstops along the way, and looking past our destination is the framework for a successful program and therefore having progress built in.

WHAT CAN KILL PROGRESS

When people begin on their journey, it is filled with hope, anxiety, and excitement. Normal. Recently I read an article about everyday words we used that stifle our progress. It is true that what we say, becomes internalized and it is what can drive or hinder us. I wish I remember where I read it but the words we use need to be re-examined to make out progress real. So here are the words that can hinder progress:

TRY: this implies the possibility of failure and your willingnes to accept it. You give yourself an out.

ALWAYS: signifies rigidity in your thinking. Not able to be flexible.

NEVER: leaves inadequate room for flexibility

IF: the inability to make a concrete decision, to be decisive.

IMPOSSIBLE: lack of vision

CAN'T: really means 'won't'

Mindset should always begin with the philosophy of Yoda from Star Wars: "Do or Do Not. There Is NO Try!" Pretty profound words if you ask me but extremely powerful. There is no room for all the negative words that will hinder progress. Yes it begins with mindset and there are many books written about this subject.

WHAT WE IGNORE

Now let me address the progress that most ignore.

The fitness industry for the most part directs an individual to look at external factors for progress. The weight scale, the jeans, the black dress, calorie counting, body fat, etc. Hey Al, what's wrong with that. How else am I suppose to track my progress? What gives?!! True, these are the things that people track and from these feedback is derived and a given emotional response usually follows. Let me ask you this: When was the last time you approched a scale and it did not feel your heart rate increase? Or look at the number on the scale and call yourself names for not losing weight? Or finding out those jeans just don't fit anymore and promise to yourself that this time you are serious? All these external factors produce negative emotional feedback. They cause you to be judgemental and place the blame on your shoulders. That's what the industry wants so they can sell you on a hope and promise that they have the solution to your weight problem. But again, you're seeking for validation from the external world and progress is measured by a cup of this, a tablespoon of that, a series of fat burning classes, the crossfit religion, etc.

It's time to look under the hood and observe true progress:

Energy Level Increases: you feel like you have that extra pep in your step.

Improvement in Sleep: you experience better sleep quality

Daily Chores are Not as Difficult: the mundane isn't as tough as it use to be

Eating Habits have Improved: you are a bit more selective in your food choices

Able to Train Harder: work capacity at the gym is higher, stronger

Brain function increase; your ability to focus is better

Resting Heart Rate Decreases: your cardiovascular system runs more efficiently

Mood Improves: the feeling of doing something positive for your health improves how you view yourself

Blood Glucose: delivery system is more efficient

Blood pressure: heart is also pumps efficiently.

FINAL THOUGHTS

It's so easy to look at a mirror, a weight scale or put on a pair of jeans and base progress on these external factors. What you are missing is the changes in your physiology. This is where listening to your body plays an important role in progress. Many people ignore the above and just give up not realizing that the work they are putting in is yielding results. Then they are back to square one and place the blame on themselves or their fitness professional or both. Don't be so hard on yourself. Progress is ever growing, subtle at times, but growing. Continue putting work in and you will reap what you sow. And for the most part, progress doesn't have numbers associated with it. That's just more external feedback. Learn to listen to your body's biofeedback and it will never steer you wrong. It takes time but with practice you'll realize this thing we call fitness is not as difficult as many make it out to be. Most have their focus in all the wrong things. Treat your body right and it will respond beautifully.