My Fitness Journey: 5 Mistakes I Wish I Had Avoided in the Beginning

There have been SO many more mistakes I've made since first starting out, but these are the most important to me. Leave a comment or send me some of your mistakes that you've made, whether you're just starting out or well seasoned in fitness!

Alcohol.

Oh my sweet White Claws….a nice glass of Rosè…or my very good friends vodka and rum…we have a love hate relationship. I love you and also hate you, and you were always there to pick me up for the good and the bad. Do I still drink? Yes, but not nearly as much. I would have one or two a night after spending some time on the treadmill. Then, on the weekends, I would really have some drinks. Now I may have four in a month, and I'm happy with my choice. Cut out those extra calories for good, or just cut back, and you'll see the weight start dropping.

Comparing myself to social media.

Social media is my hell. Along with fitness, I am one of those who compares every aspect of my life to posts I see online. One thing that would keep me from really committing to exercise was all of the ladies I would see online. They look amazing, and I am 120% insecure and not confident in my own appearance.  But over the years, I’ve started to learn that social media isn’t what you think…you don’t know if these ladies are posing in a way to make them appear more fit, or using filters. You more than likely will see someone in their absoult prime, but they’ve been working out for the past 5 years. Of course, you don’t look like them; you just started and they have been committed for years! To avoid this mental f*ckery and really focus on myself, I just got rid of social media all together.

Going too hard too fast. (Too much weight at the gym, too much cardio).

I am a person who wants instant results…ab day? I better see a 6 pack when I leave the gym, damnit! Of course, we all know deep down that’s not how exercise works, let alone life in general. It’s hard…it’s f*cking hard to remember that IT TAKES TIME! Don’t go overboard on weights or cardio to the point of exhaustion hoping that it speeds it along.

 I’ll share a memory of mine, I apologize; it was a MISTAKE. Scrolling online I would read that you should lift until you can’t anymore, so I went into the gym one morning for leg day and went HARD…too f*cking hard. Later that day, and especially the next morning, I physically could not walk. Stairs were my enemy and I would scooch down them like a child. It took almost a week of not being able to walk, get into my car, or go up/down stairs until I could finally move without pain. So again remember…it takes time for your body and mind to change when you start, so be patient!

Invest in good gear.

When I first started going to the gym and walking outside, I made my way to T.J. Maxx and found myself a pair of sneakers for $20.00.  My initial thought was “why spend a lot of money on sneakers just to walk on the treadmill?” Don't do it...spend the money to get a good pair of sneakers with support and laces to keep your feet happy and blister-free!

For those of us who wear sports bras, invest in a good one. Whether you’re running, walking, or jumping rope, whatever it may be, put your money towards some serious support.  

I'm not gifted in that department, but I can tell you that there is nothing worse than starting a jog and your bits are free flying. Of course, if you exercise without one and are perfectly fine with it, more power to you and disregard this!

Find a routine that works for you.

Instagram. TikTok. Facebook. Pinterest. Apps on your phone.  Shit, even just a Google search can give you HUNDREDS of diets, cardio routines, weight training routines, anything you can think of!  

When I first REALLY committed to being healthier, I would peruse these and become overwhelmed…”Which one do I start with? Which one will be the most beneficial?” Everyone on Instagram is doing this routine, should I? To that my friend, I say f*ck it.  I made my own schedule of what I would train based on ME. I knew my schedule, I knew what I wanted to work on and I made my own rather than trying to use someone else’s.  

Thanks for the read!! Feel free to send me a message with any comments, concerns, or questions you may have.