The fitness industry is crazy, challenging and competitive. I never imagine how much work you have to put into…
I have always been obsessed with those muscular figures you see on TV. I love the strong appearance they project. The strength. The feeling it causes when you see it. I imagine those bodies weren’t just pure genetics but also a combination of hard work in and out. I was so right. It is sleeping, eating and thinking around your next goal.
A year ago when I started this whole transformation. I knew a bit about training and healthy eating but honestly, I was so far from really knowing. I have met the most interesting people along this journey. I am always so open to learn from others because that is how we always become better and wiser. So I ask, I speak and I listen closely.
Yes, there is a difference between healthy and in shape and being fit or athletic, big and ripped. The first one is logically normal people that go to the gym to workout, to stay in shape and healthy. To improved their life. To lose those pounds they need to and keep the routine. Their goal is to look good and feel good. They smile when they train. They are nice and friendly. Their eating is whatever they love. They enjoy life, pure and free, which is the reason we are here in this world, right?
The second type is a bit more extreme and the percentage is fewer. It is a constant psychological game. It’s always being aware of what we feed the muscles or how we train to get bigger. A constant fight to become stronger and lift heavier each time. To make every last rep count. A grind. A scream. A goal conquered. That need for adrenaline, pump and emotion. It’s setting constant goals to radically improve the appearance. It’s a fight, it’s a game, it’s a dream being accomplished. It is winning every single day by conquering a push, a squat, a pull.
We live a regimented existence. Eating almost the same things day in and day out. It’s a healthy style of eating, simple and straight. Sleep enough, eat enough and only exactly what we need depending on the season. All to keep improving. Is it worth it?
If they compete in shows, they totally change eating pattern, training as well to improve the body. They can transform how they look in 24-48 hours, with this comes a lot of effort in between. No cheating, not quitting! Trust me, it is hard mentally and physically; it is a challenge but at the end it’s worth it.
Why anybody would do this? Sounds stupid! But sometimes you have to experience the worst to really get the best out of you. To look this good is harder than we think! There is no magic pill for it. It is hard work day in and day out. The results are always worth it even if common sense at beginning tell you to quit.
I started as a normal person with a goal to lose 30 pounds. I set a time goal of 12 weeks for it. Once I accomplished that, I knew I could go farther. I learned I was capable of pushing myself to extremes. I kept going until this day. I have a picture in my mind of how I want to look and I will never quit until accomplished. Once there, I picture again something else to accomplish and push. Is it worth it? Totally. I am no longer depressed. I no longer have low self esteem. If I wake up in a bad mood or sick, a session in the gym will solve it all. Yes, it’s worth it. Best thing you can do is work on yourself.
I want to make clear, I am not trying to discourage anyone with this. I am trying to make people aware that what they see in magazines and tv most of the time is possible but takes time and effort. Fitness models don’t look like that every single day. They have on/ off seasons. They have to prepare for sessions. Wear make up on their body to make the muscles be more noticeable. Lights, poses and even retouches. All is behind a camera. So you are trying to achieve a goal and don’t see dramatic changes, know they will come if you keep pushing. It is a long journey full of discipline, consistency, perseverance, patience, hard work and mental disposition. Anyone can get there. It’s up to us which goals and look we want to acquire. It’s up to us to set our minds and achieve it. The mind goes as far as we push it. We just have to believe we can. Just remember never stopping is the key to all successes and to conquer!
paulinebarbick 