Mainstream fitness culture has become all about numbers. The number on the scale. The number on the weights we lift. The number of reps we do. The amount of time we spend moving our bodies.
These numbers, while helpful to some, have morphed exercise into an obsessive concept. We get so caught up in the numbers that we don’t take the time to listen to our bodies, decide what’s best based on how we’re feeling, and really commend ourselves on our movement choices.
This is why it is important to reclaim fitness from numbers. As we’ve talked about many times, movement should be about enhancing life. Not only does this mean bettering physical mobility, it also means contributing to our mental and emotional wellness, fitting into instead of being forced into our day to day lives, and being a chance for us to be continuously mindful in our bodies.
When numbers become the main focus, however, mindfulness is put on the backburner and we may find our mental and emotional wellbeing deteriorating from not feeling like we’re doing ‘enough.’ So, it’s time to reclaim our fitness from numbers entirely.
Where do we start?
Get Rid of Trackers - We love a good smartwatch as much as the next person, but if you find that you feel guilt/satisfaction surrounding the numbers after a workout (or when looking at how many steps you take per day), it’s time to set it aside. Additionally, that scale you’ve been holding onto? It’s high time to (safely) toss it out of the window or smash it in a really dramatic way with, say, an axe or a hammer.
Practice Positive Self Talk During Movement - How often do you tell yourself you’re doing great when you’re moving? Whether you’re exercising in a class or program, or simply taking a walk or gardening? Continuing to remind yourself that you’re crushing it while you’re moving your body, even if you don’t believe it at the time, creates leeway for your mind to eventually begin to affirm and believe these good things.
Create Flexibility in your Exercise Plan - Rigid exercise plans suck. They really do. So, allow yourself flexibility. For example, if you planned to do a workout one day, but find your body is really sore or tired, give yourself the grace to rest instead. Or if something comes up and you don’t have time to do some scheduled movement? Assure yourself that it happens. It’s life. And it’s totally okay.
Slow Down and Listen to Your Body - One thing we should ALWAYS be doing when we move? Slowing TF down and listening to our bodies. Taking moments to be mindful in the body and feel which muscles are activating allows us to connect with ourselves, helps prevent injury, and generally makes the movement more satisfying.
Challenge Yourself to Go Against the ‘Should’ - Numbers in fitness are all about ‘should.’ We feel we ‘should’ get to a certain number of calories burned, or time worked, or heart rate, or steps, or weight. Actively challenge this ‘should’ mindset by consistently asking yourself ‘why?’ when these thoughts arise. Why do you think you have to reach a certain number? Who decided that? What can you gain from not focusing on the numbers?