“Become the strongest, most awesome version of yourself.”
“Live an awesome life.”
These are all phrases I say frequently, and it clearly demonstrates that I need to expand my vocabulary. But, nonetheless, today’s post is all about discovering your level of awesomeness.
So . . .
Are you awesome? Let’s see how you measure up. Which of these statements best describes you?
You work out twice per week. You’re awesome.
You work out seven days per week. You’re awesome.
You compete in powerlifting. You’re awesome.
You do crossfit and love it. You’re awesome.
You work out for the sole purpose of getting stronger and improving your performance. You’re awesome.
You don’t give a damn about getting stronger and work out for the sole purpose of looking great. You’re awesome.
You work out exclusively with bodyweight exercises. You’re awesome.
You use every tool available from free weights to machines. You’re awesome.
You squat and deadlift as heavy as possible. You’re awesome.
You despise deadlifting and therefore don’t do it. You’re awesome.
You perform total body workouts exclusively. You’re awesome.
You use old school bodybuilding splits. You’re awesome.
You consider any strength training sets of more than five reps as “cardio”. You’re awesome.
You don’t like lifting heavy, low rep weights and stick with sets of 8+ reps. You’re awesome.
You strength train two days per week and use resistance training to supplement your other physical activities. You’re awesome.
Strength training is your only form of physical activity so you choose to lift at least five times per week. You’re awesome.
You want as much muscle mass as possible. You’re awesome.
You don’t want to build a lot of muscle. You’re awesome.
You enjoy intermittent fasting because it fits your lifestyle and preferences. You’re awesome.
You prefer to eat smaller meals throughout the day. You’re awesome.
You love breakfast and couldn’t imagine starting your day without it. You’re awesome.
You practice strength training minimalism and like to get your workouts done quickly. You’re awesome.
You like to use several exercises, including isolation work, during every workout. You’re awesome.
You prefer to skip breakfast because you’re not hungry first thing in the morning. You’re awesome.
You never go a week without strength training. You’re awesome.
You prefer to take a break from strength training on occasion and play instead. You’re awesome.
You think the phrase Lift Like a Girl is stupid. Well, we clearly disagree with this one, but you’re still awesome.
You prefer to stick to a few basic exercises and their variations. You’re awesome.
You get bored easily and demand a frequent change of pace. You’re awesome.
You choose to define what it means to be a Real Woman on your own terms. You’re awesome.
You’ve reached the majority of your health, performance, and physique goals and are in maintenance mode. You’re awesome.
You’re trying to figure out where to begin your health and fitness journey for the first time. You’re awesome.
. . . there are dozens more examples, but I think you get the point.
So, Are You Awesome?
Short answer – yes. Yes you ARE awesome no matter how you choose to organize your health and fitness regimen.
Sadly, there are some people and certain health and fitness tribes that get very dogmatic about their approach and think it’s the best and only way to do things. There’s an abundance of ridicule thrown at individuals who are obese, thin, muscular, and any and everything in between regarding how people work out, eat, and look.
And it needs to stop.
Being negative or hateful in any way solves nothing.
We need to build a healthy lifestyle that works for us and helps us achieve our individual goals while supporting others do the same in a way that works for them.
There’s no single answer and solution for everyone, but there are some basic principles that can be followed.
Yes, the way I approach strength training and health and fitness at Lift Like a Girl has a particular style – with a heavy focus on keeping everything as sane and simple as possible so you develop sustainable, life-long habits – but that’s because it’s what I know, it’s what I do, and it’s what I’ve seen work. That’s not to say I think it’s superior (or inferior) to any other method and that I don’t tweak and refine it over the years as I learn and experience new things.
Problems arise when we think our way is The Way for absolutely everyone.
In this end, this is what matters most:
- You’re doing what YOU enjoy
- Whatever you’re doing enhances your quality of life and leads you to your goals
- You’re becoming the strongest, most awesome version of YOU
Do those things, and you’re most certainly awesome.
I do, however, suggest reevaluating your health and fitness regimen if:
1) You’re not achieving your goals and clearly need to change something.
2) You’re revolving your life around your current regimen and it doesn’t fit your schedule.
3) You’re failing to develop sustainable, life-long habits and are constantly diet- and program-hopping trying to find “the one”.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with redefining your approach or trying something new, especially if it will simplify your life and lead you closer to your goals. Check out the Tutorials to get you started if you need some guidance.
So . . . are you awesome? I think you already know the answer.