I’ve decided that I want to break some preconceived ideas about me in regards to health and fitness. I want to show you that I am just like you, I just happen to have a certification in fitness and a passion for sharing it with others. I’ve heard these 7 misconceptions multiple times in my life so I’m here to shatter those into tiny pieces!!
Misconception #1: I always want to exercise
Negative. I don’t always want to exercise. There are plenty of other things in my life that I also enjoy (or need to do). Exercising ends up being a pain to fit in some days.
Misconception #2: I only eat wheatgrass and carrots
…or something really healthy like that! My real life friends know this is false! I’m all about moderation. I gauge how I eat and what I eat dependent on what my activity level has been for the week and what special events are going on in my life. You might be surprised at what you see in my cabinets. š
Misconception #3: I grew up in an active, thin family
I have been the one most consistent with exercise in my family. I didn’t grow up in a family who did afternoon hikes (My hubby did!) or family races together. I have had to fight genetics to keep my body thin.
Misconception #4: I’ve never struggled with being overweight
BIG misconception! I gained 20 pounds in my early 20’s. Granted 20 pounds is *only* 20 pounds to some of you, but to me, it was a lot. I talk of how I got it off in my story here. It was a 3 year process, but I’ve been able to keep my current weight for 7 years.
Misconception #5: I’ve never struggled with self-image
Being in the fitness industry is tricky. While I have the desire and resources to exercise there’s an expectation for us as instructors. There is no doubt a pressure to look a certain way because after all, we are aerobics instructors! I play the comparison game just like anyone else. I have to stay grounded every day.
Misconception #6:Ā I exercise 7 days a week
I don’t even wish I could exercise 7 days a week. I have much more in my life than that! My goal is 4 days minimum. A good week I have 5 days and a bad week I have 3. This may change once my kids move to an easier phase of life (which means, I’d exercise a day more or so!) but at this point, I’m happy with what I have. It works for me!
Misconception #7: I never struggle with balancing it all
I’m a wife. I’m a mom of 2 small kids. I teach classes. I have a blog. I do everything that you do. I struggle with everything you do. It is a daily challenge for me to keep things in check. The balance gets out of whack often and I have to work hard to keep in line!
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So there you go. 7 myths about a fitblogger busted!! Is there anything else you want to know about me? Do people have misconceptions about you? What are they and what do you do to break those misconceptions?
The first 2 made me laugh out loud!! Great post – thanks for opening up about this š
Courtney
Misconception – people think just because you are “skinny” or “thin” you are not self conscious of your body. Or you should not worry about working out and eating right because you know your are skinny anyway…
I think kids move to an easier phase of life – ummm never:) The phase will change from diapers to something else…I don’t think to anything easier though…with my boys at 9 and 6 yes it is very different from having them as toddlers…not that either phase is better or worse because I have enjoyed them all…it is just different and I seem to have more deadlines, activities, homework, more events with them. No excuse not to work out at all, I had every intention to jog or walk while kids were at football practice 3 – 4 nights a week…but I enjoyed watching them so much it was hard to pull myself away.
It will definitely be easier for me (unless I get a 40 hr a week job again!) because they will be in school during the day and I’ll have more time to get errands/grocery/cleaning and exercise done while they are gone! THEN the craziness will hit!
But yes–if I wait until after kids get home from school, there’s no way I could increase the amount I exercise. I can barely do it now past 5pm!!!
Thanks for this post, Clare. Glad to know you are human!!
Some misconceptions: Just because you are skinny, it does not automatically mean you are healthy or athletic. I can’t tell you how many people have mentioned that I look athletic (my husband when I met him, Doctor’s after a knee injury, etc). I am no athlete and while I used to be great about exercising on a regular basis, marriage and a baby came along and that went out the door. Not that I never exercise, but not like I used to. Also, just because you appear skinny does not mean you don’t have trouble spots. If you are fortunate, you can dress in a way to camouflage them, but you know the imperfections are still there.
Just curious, as an instructor, do you have to exercise longer than most people because your body is used to a “typical” workout? Let’s say you teach 3 classes in a row, does that mean teaching one class would not be effective exercise for you?
Sharon: Great question!!! I have to constantly challenge myself and keep things different in my workouts. There was a day in my life (when I had no kids) where I would exercise before work at the gym, go to work, then teach 1 or 2 classes at night.
That really helped my fit levels, but obviously that’s not possible now!!!
Also, when you are teaching a class, the class really isn’t for you. So while I still get a good workout, my brain is on so many other factors that I’m not necessarily getting the utmost from the workout. (Although I try my hardest!)
Thanks Clare! I’ve always wondered about that.
These are great “myths” to shatter! I agree with your “moderation” style of eating and exercising and try to achieve that as well. Great post, Clare!
People think I have it all together as a mom. Even my mom looks at me as a mom that as it all together and tells everyone. I guess I make it look that way but that is so far from the truth. I struggle with whether I’m doing what’s best for my kids all the time.
I suddenly feel much better after reading this post. š Thank you. I am an over-35 mom of a 22-month old and a 2 month old (yes, two kids in 20 months) who hasn’t a clue of what to do with this saggy post c-section belly. But, I’ll be visiting here often for exercise ideas now that I can exercise again. I can’t wait.
Rosilind, I SO sympathize! I had 2 baby girls 11 and a half months apart. Your body, like this time in your life, is in a season. Enjoy those babies because they will grow so fast. I had a c-section too. It takes time but it is incredible the transformations our post baby bodies are still able to achieve! God really knew what he was doing when he made Eve the crowning glory of creation. Women’s bodies and what they are capable of are pretty amazing. ;o)
I came to this website through my sister in law, Jinka and i’m so glad I did. I’ve been struggling with my weight since I had my first son. I am 35 and have a 6,4 and 2 year old. I initially only gained 20 pounds with my first son and then 40 with my second and a whopping 100 pounds with my 3rd. I was bed ridden through most of that pregnancy and it really killed my body. I’ve lost 50 pounds through just eating less but mostly it was because my doctor put me on a prescription weight loss pill. Now i’ve plateaued at 192. I don’t exercise though, which is why I started reading the things posted on here. I’ve always made the excuse that I don’t have time. I have 3 kids under 6 and I work nights, but I have to say (guilty) I do have time. If you guys can make time, so can I. Thanks for the support! I also want to congratulate Jinka, my sister in law…she’s awesome! We are so proud of her and all she’s accomplished!