Sometimes the toughest part of training isn’t what is happening with your muscles, but what is happening inside your head. I do everything I can to stay away from that negative vibe that can bring you down, but sometimes I succumb.

Monday was a tough day. The narrative that was running in my head was pretty harsh, it varied from the standard how did you get so fat to the slightly ridiculous, you are the wimpiest person in this gym. While this extremely unhappy crap was overtaking my brain I spotted an athlete training at Aspire; the type of athlete that is always pushing herself and yet has a smile for everyone and that happy glint in her eye even when she is pushing her limits. Negative voice said loud and clear; good luck being more like that.

HA! That was the window I needed. Inside I knew, that I to, usually have that happy glint in my eye and that I had fallen prey to a random funk that had started to spin out of control. I took the reins off my brain and focused on turning that internal frown upside down.

1. I was at Aspire and training hard to make the changes I wanted.

2. Even with the extra fat I am still stronger than your average bear.

3. No matter how annoyed I was in the moment I would feel great that I did it and be that much closer to my end goal.

You gotta start somewhere, right?

Training is more than muscles, it’s also what is happening between the ears. Take the time to acknowledge when it’s a struggle and work just as hard to switch up how you are thinking. I promise it will feel as good as your new found strength, smaller jeans and street strut. Looking for some tips on how to do it? Check this blog out —> HERE

Also.. I want to point out that sometimes breaking out of negative talk may need some extra support. Perhaps you are dealing with depression or other Mental Health related issues. If that is the case, and it feels like you can’t “turn that frown upside down” please seek some help. CMHA is a great place to start —> HERE

I’m feeling pretty lucky about finding a home at Aspire Health and Performance. The comfort of a place where everyone is focused on training for their goals and supporting others in that pursuit as well is pretty empowering. The only “judgement” I need to worry about is my own.