Have you found the right weight loss hobby for you? (Part 2)
April 30, 2017 Ashley 0 Comments
Our last article touched on how important it is to have a well-rounded exercise regimen.
Especially if you’re forking out monthly funds for it.
We need to feel successful, connected, inspired, and tired out by our weight loss hobby of choice.
(“Everything hurts and I’m dying. Let’s do it again ASAP.”)
And when we don’t? Well, that’s when we do an introspective list-review…
For example, we can ask: “Do I feel connected to these people?” Personally, when I felt disconnected at the dojo, I started chatting with my training partners and the instructors alike. This was tough, ‘cause I’m socially anxious and often awkward. So, I did what someone smarter than I am suggested: I swiveled the spotlight toward them. What do they do? What are their other hobbies? Once I remembered connection’s about relating to others, those questions just came naturally and I had heaps of peeps I called friends. Before long, I started writing for the gym’s website, going on lunch outings, and attending MMA events.
Now, people know my name who I’ve never even seen before.
(Not into swinging fists? Try swinging ’round a pole for an hour instead to make sweaty friends.
I went once, and it’s pretty much Sisterhood of the Traveling Pantlessness. Would highly recommend.)
And, speaking of learning, another question to ask ourselves is: “Am I growing in my practice?” The follow up to this is: “And, if not, could I be trying harder to skill-build or technique-tweak?” My worst days are when I feel like I haven’t increased the degrees on my growth-o-meter by at least a little. From quicker reflexes to better form on my (currently horrific) thai kick, I’m always looking to improve whatever it is I’m missing. In fact, I want so badly to improve that, that my go-to line at every eff-up these days is, “Uhhh, Jim, can you please come over here and tell me what I’m doing wrong?” It helps a lot. Sometimes it’s something super simple and stupid and mechanical I’m simply forgetting (like “Put your hips into it, duh.”) But if I don’t ask, I don’t grow. That can make the difference between leaving with a high of self-validation that brings me back tomorrow… or staying up ‘til four in the morning, rocking back and forth, while asking myself dark, existential questions about my meaning as a human being.
Believe it or not, that actually carries over to the novelty factor, too. One evening, I asked my favorite instructor if we could try something new. Not surprisingly, his eyes lit up. Moments later, I was doing superman punches, flying elbows, and spinning back kicks. Was I good at all of it? Absolutely not. Not yet. I was still learning. (In other words: my butt meat met the mat more often than not that class.) But I was having a blast – and blasting a shiz ton of calories if my soaked shirt was any indication.
(Rule: if you’re not guzzling water like James Franco at the end of “127 Hours”, up the effort level ’til ya do.)
But that soaked shirt factor doesn’t happen every class. And usually, it’s my fault. See, exhaustion’s one of the four facets the aforementioned study covered as being important. And, I gotta admit, nights I walk out feeling whipped are my happiest. Sweaty and spent is what I aim for (aside from my opponent’s liver, legs, and face) each class. It should be for all’ve us, as that’s a massive indicator that you’re working that weight off. So, that means one of three things: I either work harder each class (I try to beat my time, reps, or fine tune form)…or I ask the instructor if we can up the rump-kickery (in a nice, professional way). Fortunately for me, exhaustion’s built into what we do. Just like all the other three criteria. But, if it wasn’t? Well, option three would be to look elsewhere. If the people weren’t friendly – or if the instructors weren’t humble, helpful, and open to suggestion, I’d leave. I’d try something new. I’m so lucky I don’t need to.
But how about you? Are you getting what you require out’ve your present exercise locale?
If not, check these four points out, decide what’s missing, and then change.
Either your hobby…or your habits.