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5 WAYS TO INTRODUCE GRATITUDE INTO YOUR FITNESS ROUTINE

As we enter the Thanksgiving season, our minds turn to gratitude. At Fitness Connection, we are grateful every day for our members and for your dedication along your fitness journey. To show our thanks, we’d like to share 5 tips to help you supplement your routine with mindfulness and gratitude.

When it comes to hitting the gym, it’s easy to get distracted by your long-term fitness goals, overlooking how far you’ve come. Regardless of whether it’s your first day or you’re a seasoned gym rat, embracing a gracious approach to fitness progress is a crucial step in your journey toward a healthier lifestyle. 

 

1. CELEBRATE THE SMALL WINS

Rewarding yourself for the small victories can help cultivate a positive mindset when working toward your fitness goals. While toxic gym culture can shift your focus to only the results you can see, you’re also making the following strides mentally and emotionally, to name a few:

  • Increased discipline 
  • Improved mood
  • Resilience

Toxic gym culture on social media can make us think we must transform into fitness pros in a matter of weeks. Being patient and gracious with your progress signifies acknowledging the effort, understanding fluctuations, and celebrating each step forward, regardless of its size. 

 

2. GRAB A GYM PARTNER

If you feel stuck in a rut, fitness can be made more enjoyable by including friends and family in the process. Working out with a partner or group can help keep you motivated and accountable for your goals. That’s why we’re so thankful for how much our FitFam community has grown!

Finding activities that you enjoy can make the process of tracking your progress more meaningful and rewarding. If you’re interested in working out with others, check out our group class schedule.

3. SHARE YOUR GRATITUDE

Don't keep your feelings of appreciation to yourself. If someone in your fitness community has helped or inspired you, let them know. This will not only make them feel good but also strengthen your bond.

Being able to share your results with confidence and self-appreciation fosters a healthy mindset that will ultimately benefit you in the long run. This will also help promote viewing yourself in a positive way. 

4. ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR PROGRESS

Take some time each week to reflect upon your progress and the efforts you've put in. Recognize the challenges you've overcome and be grateful for your resilience. No journey is simple, and this is no exception.

Try spending a few moments each week jotting down what you're grateful for in your fitness journey. It could be an accomplishment, the ability to move your body, or the nutritious food you're able to fuel it with. This will help you maintain consistency in your routine. Try tracking your progress in the Fitness Connection app to keep track of your progress with ease.

5. BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF

When you see fitness influencers online, it is important to remember that most people share their wins and not their setbacks. When embarking on your own fitness journey, it is important to understand that fitness is a lifelong commitment, and setbacks are only temporary in this ongoing journey.

It is also essential to understand that gym progress looks different for everyone based on a multitude of factors, including:  

  • Genetics
  • Dietary needs and restrictions
  • Workout routine/intensity

Embodying mindfulness in tracking your fitness progress fosters a deeper connection with your physical self, facilitating a more holistic approach to health and wellness. It involves a shift from obsessing over numbers to appreciating how you’re improving your quality of life. 

 

FIND A SUPPORTIVE GYM COMMUNITY

With the holiday season around the corner, meeting our goals and closing out the year can be a challenge. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Remember to give yourself grace and that every day is a new opportunity, especially when you have the right support.

Rather than chasing the goals that toxic gym culture has set for you, focus your energy on achieving your own fitness goals. If you aren’t part of a gym and want to join a community to help motivate you to get those gains, find a Fitness Connection near you!