{"id":61091,"date":"2021-10-16T17:19:09","date_gmt":"2021-10-16T17:19:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/breakingmuscle.com\/\/\/?p=61091"},"modified":"2021-11-22T01:13:21","modified_gmt":"2021-11-22T06:13:21","slug":"this-is-your-space-how-to-bring-passion-back-to-your-training","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/breakingmuscle.com\/this-is-your-space-how-to-bring-passion-back-to-your-training\/","title":{"rendered":"This Is Your Space: How to Bring Passion Back to Your Training"},"content":{"rendered":"

I’m going to tell you right now why you started CrossFit, or whatever your fitness endeavor of choice is. <\/strong>A bold prediction, I know. And here it is:<\/p>\n

No one actually wants to get fit.<\/strong> And no one simply wants to lose weight and tone up.<\/p>\n

Why Do We Work Out?<\/h2>\n

Losing weight and toning up are means to an end, just like CrossFit is for you.\u00a0Ultimately, we do all this stuff to feel better about ourselves. <\/strong>Losing weight and gaining muscle are just avenues for that.<\/p>\n

The truly great discovery about CrossFit is when we realize we can feel better about ourselves based on what our bodies can do, rather than how they look <\/strong>(or more accurately, how we think we look in the mirror).<\/p>\n

We may have initially joined a gym because we didn\u2019t feel happy with how we looked or felt. <\/strong>Somewhere, there\u2019s a feeling of inadequacy there. \u201cIf only I lost a few pounds, then I\u2019d feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n

But how quickly that disappears once we find we\u2019re in an environment that accepts us for who we are<\/strong>, while at the same time encouraging us to better ourselves. The people around us believe we\u2019re capable of things we don\u2019t see just yet, and this leads to victories we never thought possible.<\/p>\n

The Power of a Strong Community<\/h2>\n

On our first day we came into the gym and saw superhuman beings lifting monstrous weights, and controlling their bodies like they existed in zero gravity. Now we’re part of that same club.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Remembering why we started and looking back on just how far we\u2019ve come takes a bit of effort, as we tend to see the challenges and our shortcomings.”\u00a0<\/em><\/h3>\n

Over time though, that feeling of doubt, or inadequacy, can come creeping back with our physical ability. <\/strong>We adapt, and we tend to forget that we once laughed when someone told us we could do a pull up. Now, we\u2019re pissed we can\u2019t get ten unbroken muscle ups. What\u2019s that about?<\/p>\n

How to Stay Positive About Your Progress<\/h2>\n

When you find yourself frustrated at your (alleged) lack of progress, here are five tips\u00a0to help you enjoy the process and stay happy with what you\u2019re doing:<\/strong><\/p>\n

#1: Remember – You’re With Friends<\/h2>\n

Remember, you’re among friends. <\/strong>Seriously, remember that. Name another environment where everyone around you only wants to see you succeed. Do they greet you with a big happy hello and fist bump in the office, or do they tell you about the latest fire that needs to be put out? Does your family look excited to see you, or do they tell you the washing machine is broken?<\/p>\n

\"crossfit,<\/p>\n

#2: Enjoy Having Time to Yourself<\/h2>\n

This is your headspace. For one to two hours every day nothing else matters. <\/strong>For those agonizing twenty minutes on that horrible burpee and rowing workout you\u2019re not thinking of that guy who hasn\u2019t texted you back. For those thirty seconds before a PB back squat you ain\u2019t wondering how to tell your mother you won\u2019t make dinner Sunday. Forget about everything. This. Is. Your. Space.<\/p>\n

#3: Remember the Progress You’ve Already Made<\/h2>\n

There was a time when you dreamed of this.<\/strong> You never ever thought you\u2019d be addicted to exercise. Gyms were for meatheads, and you were just an office worker. Now you\u2019re a Certified Badass in Metcons, with brand new wrist wraps that are definitely going to help break that overhead squat barrier.<\/p>\n

#4: Don’t Focus on Perfection<\/h2>\n

No one is perfect. You know this. <\/strong>That guy with a ripped six pack? He wishes he didn\u2019t blow up on 400m runs. That super speedy guy? He wishes he didn\u2019t have to foam roll so much because his calves hurt. That muscle up ninja? He really wants to get past his power clean PB. No one is perfect.<\/p>\n

\"athlete,<\/p>\n

#5: Be Your Own Best Friend<\/h2>\n

If this was your best friend telling you this, what would you say to her? Yeah, yeah, I know it\u2019s different for you because of this, because of that, and because of that other thing too. But really, what would you say to her? You\u2019d tell her you\u2019re proud of her, and she\u2019s doing amazing, and she\u2019s inspiring you? So take some of your own medicine and realize you\u2019re doing great. And be happy about it, damn it!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Reflecting on Your Progress and Challenges<\/h2>\n

Remembering why we started and looking back on just how far we\u2019ve come takes a bit of effort, as we tend to see the challenges and our shortcomings. When we lose our chest-to-bar pull ups it\u2019s so easy to get frustrated. We can keep beating our head against the wall and try to force it. But we\u2019re far more productive and successful if we\u2019re happy and in a good mood.<\/strong><\/p>\n

So breathe, and take stock in all the awesome things you\u2019ve accomplished since you first walked in the door of your gym. Get off the happiness treadmill.<\/strong> It\u2019s probably not a TrueForm anyway.<\/p>\n

Check out these related articles:<\/strong><\/p>\n