Who isn't trying to eat healthy these days?

GYM ANXIETY:

If you have ever been overweight and trying to deal with it, you’ve been here before. You pump yourself up pre-workout, saying that you’re going to give it your all today. As you make your way across the gym floor, that confident feeling begins to fade fast when you realize that the only open treadmill is wedged between two runners who are going crazy fast – like cheetahs in a full sprint – and nearly every strength machine is taken by some sweaty people that you’d rather avoid. Feelings of insecurity are sinking in.

This feeling is called gym anxiety. It is a self-conscious, confidence-vanishing feeling one experiences when faced with an intimidating, embarrassing, or potentially awkward situation at the gym. It often involves feelings of fear of being judged based on one’s outward appearance and fitness level. Believe me, you're not alone. Gym anxiety is universally experienced by many exercisers. It does not discriminate between gender, size, strength, or how fit you are.

What you are searching for is a fellowship in fitness. Where people who look like you come together and encourage, uplift and motivate each other. Where the environment is friendly, the music is soothing and the workout is effective, yet considerate of your conditions. This is a needle in a haystack, yes. But, it can be found. Do your research first before jumping in. It is not one size fits all. Visit a few places, stand around and soak up the atmosphere and then decide what fits you. 

"I never liked working out. I was always too tired and too lazy by the end of the day to get to the gym let alone actually work out. And eating healthy, just did not come naturally to me. Sher helped me ease my way into working out and introduced me to detox tea to rid my body of unwanted toxins. In class she went at a pace that I was comfortable with and before I even knew it I was looking and feeling so much better. Sher pushed me to do more and more and to push myself to new limits. It was so much more enjoyable than I had ever imagined. It was like spending an hour with a friend, we laughed and screamed and just enjoyed a great work out. I now get excited to go to class and as a whole working with Sher has been such a gratifying and self-discovering experience. To all the people who feel too lazy or tired or too crappy about themselves — I say get off the couch and do it! It’s hard at first but Sher eases you into it and it is all worth it in the long run, I promise you!

An exercise program that is tailored specifically to your needs, is a great way to stay physically and mentally fit. You may think that all this extra work is not necessary, but it provides additional benefits for a longer, stronger life, such as: 

· improved condition of the heart and lungs

· increased muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness

· increased aerobic fitness

· improved muscle tone and strength

· weight management

· better coordination, agility and flexibility

· improved balance and posture awareness

· increased energy levels

· improved physical confidence

· reduced risk of chronic disease (like type 2 diabetes and heart disease)

· improved sleep

· improved brain function and health

· improved general and psychological wellbeing

· greater self-confidence and self-esteem

· not to mention, an improved social life.

Exercise can have an enormous impact on your mood. In fact, it is thought that exercise can be just as effective as anti-depressants in treating mild-to-moderate depression.

Not only can exercise help in treating depression, it can also prevent people from becoming depressed again. So it's important to keep up an exercise regimen after people get better.

We don't yet understand exercise and mood enough to know exactly which type of exercise is best - or how much - but what we do know is that it definitely has a positive effect.

Exercise can:

· increase your energy levels

· help you get a good night's sleep

· distract you from your worries and get you out of a cycle of negative thoughts that can feed anxiety and depression

· help you get out and be with people if you're feeling lonely; even a smile as you pass someone on the street can boost your mood

· help you feel more in control, and improve your self-esteem, because you are taking an active role in your own treatment

· increase your confidence as you meet challenges and reach goals, no matter how small, as well as helping you to feel good about your body

· help you to avoid less helpful approaches, such as drinking alcohol or dwelling on how you feel

 When your body image is positive, you are able to accept, appreciate, and respect your body. You won’t necessarily avoid feeling any insecurities or think your body is perfect, but you will be able to acknowledge any insecurities for what they are and believe that your body is perfect for you.

With some carefully tailored self-talking, can help to beat back the body image blues and be ready to face the world with confidence.

That’s why sometimes you have to start talking to yourself in a nicer way even if you don’t believe it yet.

Next time you catch yourself saying something negative about your body, repeat after me:

• My      body is healthy
• I      honor and respect my body
• Even      on days where I feel less-than, I am enough
• I      thank my body for doing its physical function!
• I      celebrate the uniqueness of my body
• My      body takes care of me and I take care of my body
• I      am allowed to take up space and hold my head up high
• I      love my body because it is mine
• I      thank my body for letting me enjoy life

We tend to be our own worst critic, being harder on ourselves than we would ever be to others.  While it would be great to completely transform the unrealistic beauty standards that exist in society, a better, more effective goal will be to transform your own expectations of YOURSELF.