This year, I have the good fortune to be working with an amazing group of women this year who are focused on health and fitness. We are all part of Jill Coleman’s Best of You coaching group and each of us brings a unique perspective and expertise to this area.
I recently had the chance to talk with one of these amazing women, Ryanne Goneke, founder of Strong Mind Fit Bod about the impact of negative thoughts on a person’s life. Here is what she had to say:
What are the most common negative thoughts that women have about themselves? Why do you think this is?
I hear so many negative comments from clients, friends, and even family. Some of the more common ones are “She’s looks so much better than I do in that outfit”, “Ugh, I’m just fat”, “I’m too old to get in shape”, “I’m a mom now so taking care of myself is out of the question”.
I think women tend to look at actresses, social media, and fitness magazines and then compare their bodies to that. Really, who can compare? It’s not realistic to look like you’ve just walked off the cover of a magazine all the time.
Unfortunately, in today’s society we don’t embrace the natural beauty of real women and their curves therefore most women don’t feel pretty enough, or fit enough, or smart enough.
What are 5 simple ways to eliminate negative thoughts?
1. Be compassionate to yourself AND others. When we treat other people nice we tend to give ourselves a little slack too. Find one thing that you love about your body and embrace it! I like my shoulders, so I wear the hell out of tanks! Tell other women what you like about them. If I see a woman with nice legs or picture perfect hair I always make sure to tell her. You never know what a compliment can do a person’s day.
2. Know and understand that “perfection” is a myth. There is no such thing as the “perfect woman”. When you can understand that, then you can stop comparing yourself to others and stop feeling less than adequate. You are enough, right now, as is.
3. When negative thoughts come to mind I like to take a moment and ponder over them. Ask yourself questions like “Why am I having this thought?”, “What has brought this up all of a sudden?”, “Do I really believe this is true?”. Take a few moments to get to the root of the thought then allow yourself to move on.
4. Always have a solution. My husband tells me all the time that when an employee comes into his office with a problem, he better have a solution to go with it. The same rule can apply here. If you have a bad thought come up like “My thighs are too fat, I can’t wear shorts.” then you also need to back it up with a solution to fix the problem. You either start working on slimming down your thighs, you accept your awesome thighs and you rock those shorts, or you find shorts you feel comfortable and confident in. Always look for the solution and you will always feel in control.
5. Go for a workout. A sweaty intense workout will smash any negative thoughts you have about yourself. How can you think bad thoughts when you are pushing weights around and being awesome?
What is the most common type of “breakthrough” that people need to go through in order to reach their goals?
When my clients finally have that light bulb moment it’s when they take a step back and forget everything they thought they knew about nutrition and exercise and let their journey begin. When you are stuck in the “dieter” mindset you are always looking for the next best thing instead of the best thing for you. Understanding being healthy is a life long journey takes the pressure off and lets you relax. Knowing that you don’t have to look a certain way or act a certain way is a relief if you ask me. Be YOU because NOBODY else in this world can.
What advice can you give to busy working moms about being the best that they can be as they enter their later years (50’s, 60’s and 70’s)?
Enjoy your life and the lifestyle of being fit and healthy. It’s such an amazing feeling to be strong and full of life at all ages. I train women that range 30-75 year of age and they amaze me every single day. Be consistent in exercise, nutrition, and positive thinking and you will undoubtedly live a happy and fulfilling life.
Ryanne is an ACE certified personal training, a Sports & Fitness Nutrition Specialist, has a certification from NASM for Personal Training and Corrective Exercise and is also a certified Metabolic Effect Personal Trainer and Cycling Instructor.
She absolutely loves chocolate, peanut butter, and coffee and her day would not be complete if she did not have at least one (usually all) of these.
Say hello to Ryanne on her website or on facebook where “Changing your mindset will change your outlook, physique and life.“
http://strongmindfitbod.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Strong-Mind-Fit-Bod/488323421278879?sk=timeline
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