There were times when I thought that my fitness was not in my hands, except when I went to the gym and remained under a coach’s guidance; then I could claim to be physically fit. I have seen a lot of people build huge chests and strong arms. Then I felt they were the most fitting ones. Most times, people who have huge bodies are gym masters.
I was used to watching wrestling, and I preferred it over any other kind of sport. This is where I got a change in the mentality of thinking that those who have a huge physical appearance are the most fit ones. There was a staged game between two wrestlers. One was so huge with muscles all over his body, while the other was just the slim type. They wrestled, and the slim guy won.
Oooh. That's just it. Being fit is not about physical appearance, though the impact of fitness might reflect on the body, but not the body being a factor of being physically fit.
My brother has always been challenged to visit the gym or lift dumbbells, most of the time. I lived with him, and I can say he isn't even involved in exercises, not to mention going to the gym. But he has a fitted stature.
The question is, how do I strike a balance with my fitness and not have it affect my wellbeing?
The first time I tried to lift a dumbbell was one of the most horrible moments I had with bodybuilding. It was my first time, so I lifted it with all the strength in my body. Thinking I will build all of those muscles overnight.
The repercussion was that after the whole session, I was unable to lift my hands to rub my face. I can't even hold a spoon properly to eat. Those arms are already beginning to adjust to the process of it, and that's where the challenges come from. It took me about five days before my arms started functioning normally. Since then, I knew gymming wasn’t even my thing.
What was next? How do I keep myself fit? I got an exercise app on my phone and then picked about five different exercises that I felt would make an impact on certain parts of my body. Picked pushups for my arms and thighs, sit-ups for my stomach, crunches, and cycling for my waist.
This was also another good adjustment, saving me the stress of finding a gym center and a coach, or paying some amount to keep fit. I have already cut down a lot from this little change in plans.
It went on for about three weeks, consistently having it done, and I am beginning to feel the impact of it. Not until one day, when I made a mistake that almost cost my life.
I had a shift in the timing of the exercises. I normally have them at noon, but this day I won't be around during that time, so I shifted to the morning time. I quickly did all I could and then had breakfast immediately after it. That’s when I knew I had made a grave mistake. I got my stomach aching so badly, and I even had to use the clinic before I could get a good balance.
I realized there are even meals to take to make sure those exercises have proper effects on the health, and not just any meal. I had to let go of exercise and not practice it as heavily as before.
I need to find a way to keep fit and healthy that won't be at the cost of my life or drain me financially.
Then I finally settled for three practices that have been of good help over time. It was indeed a practice that fits my minimalist lifestyle.
Walking
At times, I just take a stroll for some distance, just to make sure I have my legs and other body parts fit and stable. It wasn’t something easy on the first try. But now I have learned how to keep myself in check of the distance I need to walk.
Hydration
Taking enough water, I realize that hydration has had a great impact on one’s fitness and even health. A body well hydrated will remain physically prepared and balanced.
Meditation
Lastly, I go into meditation. I have not been a fan of it until I learned how to reflect my lifestyle through connecting my body with my soul. Meditating didn’t cost me much, but it has left a great impact on my health and fitness.
I have come to realize that even these three practices can be done at any point in time without being restrained or restricted by some situations and this is why I keep practicing it the most.
All images are mine
