Subtle Yet Shattering Changes
I can feel myself aging.
Literally.
In the past two years, I have found it increasingly difficult to keep operating at the same pace and level as I did in the past. It has become challenging to maintain the weight, muscle, and physique that I have worked so hard to achieve. Not only do I feel perpetually tired and lethargic, but my recovery time after workouts seems to get longer and longer.
It’s EXTREMELY discouraging.
To be honest, my self-confidence is a little shaken. I don’t feel bad about my looks, but I do feel less motivated to work out. I mean, if I’m not going to achieve the goal that I want, why am I pushing myself so hard?
Now, before you start judging me and accusing me of a non-active lifestyle, I need to clarify something. I am active in my life. … not like how I used to be in my early 20’s, but still quite active. I go running in the mornings, hit the gym, do a series of exercises there for 1 to 2 hours a time, and even try to keep myself walking throughout the day. Even though I’ve done my best to maintain a workout schedule despite my work, attempts have not always been successful.
I know I’m not at all old, but somehow, I feel a definite shift happening in my body that is alarming me.
The Shift
Less Muscle Retention
In the past year or so, I noticed that retaining muscle mass is becoming a little difficult. The exercises that used to be so easy for me to do, take a little more effort to complete. The amount of weight that I used to be able to effortlessly lift, now can only be done in a few reps. Uncertain what to make of it, I decided to hire a PT trainer a few months back to make sure I was exercising correctly.
A few example exercises and a BMI assessment later, I came to the shocking realization that I had been exercising incorrectly my whole fitness journey.
…Which at this point has been going on for 6,7 years!
Now, I have to relearn the basics.
To add fuel to the fire, my trainer told me that my protein intake was way too low and that’s why my muscle mass was swiftly depleting. Plants products do not carry as much protein as animal products do and because I was a vegetarian, I needed to find a way to consume larger amounts of protein-rich foods to retain my muscle mass – especially as I get older.
Yes, girl. He pointed out that I was getting older. 😭 I mean, I know it’s facts, but still… 💔
He must’ve seen my shock, because he quickly reassured me that all I needed to do was be more intentional to eat foods high in protein, like eggs, and maybe consider other supplements (like protein powder), that could assist in the process.
Less Mobility and Tight Muscles
In addition to a lack of protein, I also found out during the same PT session that my whole body was inflexible and nearing its breaking point. I’m not proud of this, but when I was younger, I started a nasty habit of exercising intensely without much warm-up or cool-down stretches. Back then, I felt okay so I didn’t think much about how this affected the muscles that I was using.
Naturally, this bad habit has come to bite me hard in the butt.
I conditioned my body to exercise incorrectly and the effects of it have started to show. Problems like lower back pain, ankle pain, and hip tightness.
Need for Change
I needed to change my life.
No, scratch that.
I NEED to change my life.
After hearing about the terrible condition my body is in, I desire to make the necessary changes to progress towards a healthier lifestyle. I’m trying to do this on my own, but it hasn’t been easy. Work, lack of guidance, and overall fear of screwing up and damaging my body completely have somewhat paralyzed me in my pursuit of change.
I learned the correct way to exercise from my trainer, but I don’t remember everything. I still struggle with breathing properly and keeping my abs tight for stability. In addition to that, I can’t seem to count reps in my head without messing up my posture. I’m guessing there’s a method to this madness, but for the life of me, I can’t figure it out.
But now, I’m on a mission. A mission to change my life and my relationship with exercising – its purpose and the effects I wish to gain from it. I want a hot bod, but more than that, I don’t want to be a cripple by 30.
Decisions To Encourage Change
I’m no expert on proper exercise. But in this next phase of my life, I wish to practice more intentionality when it comes to my diet, health, and exercise. I’ve decided that instead of focusing on external benefits, I will focus on longevity.
With this in mind, there are a few things I am thinking of incorporating into my life.
| What | Reason | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Focus on mobility, flexibility, and stability. | Build a stronger, flexible body; reduce pain after exercise. | Hip stretches, ankle stretches, and resistance band back exercises |
| 2. Intentional Diverse Meal-Prep | Have more options of food to eat throughout the week that encourage a balanced diet | Planning meal ideas and preparing ingredients at the beginning of the week |
| 3. Set Exercise Goals each week | To stay motivated during my journey, see small but meaningful results | Duration of a plank, Reps of an exercise, deepness of a stretch. |
| 4. Consume more vitamins | Supply my body with the proper nutrients it needs | take vitamin supplements; eat various nutrient-rich food |
With these starting goals, I am hopeful that my body will become a stronger, healthier version of itself.
If you’re further along in your health journey, I would love to hear from you! Your tips and suggestions could be invaluable as I navigate this path. And if you’re just starting out like me, let’s motivate and support each other. We can share our wins, struggles, and progress together. 💪
Join me on this journey to better health and well-being. Let’s learn and grow together!
Until next time,
✌️
~Juu~
