I Used To Lift Weights, But Then I Stopped.
and I got really hung up about it.
Thought it was because I was “lazy.”
Thought I had no discipline.
Thought I just had no desire to anymore.
I didn’t get too curious and I let myself get into a new mindset of “I just don’t enjoy it, it’s not for me.”
Granted, the pause made me find other forms of exercise that I really enjoyed: running, dancing, walking, yoga, etc. which I still love and am so grateful to have, but as a trainer I knew the health benefits of lifting, and I knew I used to really enjoy how it made me feel.
So what made me stop lifting?
I got curious, as opposed to “accepting” my new mindset about it.
I realized I stopped, not for the reasons above, but because it didn’t FEEL good to me anymore. Why? Because, it didn’t feel like something I was doing for me, like it used to. Why? A few reasons, but for today I’ll highlight two big ones:
I felt in certain relationships I was in that there was this pressure to lift and look a certain way. Lifting was “sexy” and I didn’t like that. It felt objectifying and honestly made me uncomfortable.
When I became a trainer it was expected of me to lift heavy weights and workout all the time and in the perfect way. I felt like I was always being watched. I didn’t like that.
I didn’t like that what I used to value as “me time” didn’t feel like mine anymore. I missed not being seen. I missed going un-noticed. My goals didn’t feel like they were just mine. My routine didn’t feel like it was just mine. My body didn’t feel like just mine. The expectations weren’t mine. My mindset wasn’t on just me.
In an industry where it seems like people want to be seen and recognized by the things they wear, the stuff they do, etc., working out just isn’t that for me.
So, I let it go.
I let go of other’s expectations.
I let go of other’s judgements.
I let go of other’s thoughts.
I let go of other’s desires.
Working out is ME time. It’s MY time.
I don’t really have a specific routine.
I don’t really have goals anymore.
I don’t have crazy expectations.
I do things that make me feel good in that moment.
I listen to good music, focus on myself and zone out.
and that’s super empowering.
So…
If you feel like you have to have a goal to workout, you don’t.
If you feel like you have to do something perfectly, you don’t.
If you feel like you have to have the best routine, you don’t.
If you feel like you have to wear a certain thing to look a certain way, you don’t.
If you feel like you have to impress someone, you don’t.
If you feel like you have to meet expectations, you don’t.
I’m a big believer in working out in a way that feel good for YOU.
Not because it’s the latest new trend and everyone is doing it.
Not because you feel like you have to look a certain way to get the guy/girl.
Not because any of those things.
Do it for YOU.
If you’re looking for a safe space where you can learn how to let go of dieting for good, enjoy food without guilt, and turn exercise into something you love to do rather than something you “have” to do, submit a client application to get in contact with me! I work with clients virtually all over the world helping those who are frustrated with dieting and want to change their relationship with food and themselves.
Hi, I’m Azul Corajoria, an Integrative Health Coach, Personal Trainer & Yoga Instructor. I support my clients in making step-by-step changes so that they can live a healthy and balanced life. By recognizing the interdependent roles of mindset, nutrition, and movement I educate and hold my clients accountable for achieving their health goals through lifestyle and behavior adjustments with an emphasis on self-care. Together, we navigate the contradictory world of nutrition through intuitive eating, practice mindful movement, and implement small mindset and lifestyle shifts that empower them to be their best selves in the easiest way possible.
