What being STRONG really means…

Hey guys!

Let’s talk about STRONG.

We are all so conditioned to “know” what strong is supposed to look like. Shredded abs, poppin’ biceps, and a huge, lifted booty. At least that is what Instagram tells us. And I don’t doubt that people with those physiques are lean and fit, but you shouldn’t feel weaker if you don’t look that way. Strength is something from inside, and no one can accurately judge you for that. We all have our own story.

I used to live a life where I strived for vanity in my physique. I mean, I competed in a bikini competition – how much more physically obsessed can you get!? I worked my head off 4 hours a day to lose weight and have slightly more visible abs than I do in the pic above, where I work out only 28 minutes a day with PIIT28.

But now, the difference is, I work out because it makes me a better person, not because it makes me a “hotter” person.

I challenge you to think about that for a second.

Working out makes me stronger, sharper, faster, smarter, less stressed, and happier. The reason why I don’t skip a workout now isn’t because I’m scared of getting fat (old thinking), it’s because I really like the person I am after I exercise. The positive vibes spread to the people I interact with at work and it feeds into my creativity for my business.

This is what I call a mind shift. And what happened after that mind shift is magical.

My body started changing.

It started sculpting itself towards it’s own best shape because I approached fitness with joy, not with angst. I work out for the RIGHT REASONS.

Now, when I exercise, I get EXCITED (like super excited) when I can go lower in my tricep pushups and when I can sprint faster on the treadmill. There’s this feeling of ultimate inner satisfaction that reminds me of pure childhood joy. I mean, whether or not the scale goes down, and whether or not the muscle striations on my legs become more visible, WHO CARES!!! I don’t need an IG pic and loads of comments saying “You look pretty” to validate my worth! I KNOW MY WORTH!! Look what I can do that I couldn’t do just a few weeks ago!! That is called real strength, and THAT is awesome!

And guess what? When you focus on what matters, like how much you honestly ENJOY sweating it out, everything just starts to fall in place. You find your balance.

Sometimes, people try to complicate fitness too much with exact calorie counts, exact calorie burn, and all sorts of crazy wild theories on what you should eat and how you should work out. Do not be overwhelmed with OVER-INFORMATION.

This is the key:

Find a workout that makes you smile and keeps you coming back. It should be something you look forward to, not dread! Then, do it as much as you can (try 5-6 times a week).

Feed your body for energy. Notice how your body reacts to certain foods. If you break out or feel lethargic after eating a certain thing, stop having it! Be your own nutritionist. You just have to be conscious.

That is how you will find your own strong. Strong looks different on EVERYONE. So stop comparing yourself to others. Start comparing yourself to who you were yesterday.

***

Ready to hear who the POPFLEX Mermaids Giveaway Winner is? With over 11,000 entries, I am stunned by your excitement!! I read some very good ideas for future collections! So, thank you for your lovely suggestions! The winner of the below assortment is…

 

Congrats Elise!