The Benefits of Working With Your Body, Not Just On It
In today’s culture, many of us feel the pressure to constantly improve our bodies. We’re bombarded with messages about quick fixes to sculpt and tone. We get an avalanche of imagery sending us messages of what we "should" look like. It’s easy to fall into the mindset that our bodies are endless projects that need constant work. But what if, instead of constantly focusing on working on your body, you started working with it?
Personally, this mindset has happened slowly over the years. Mostly, because I got tired of always viewing my body as something I needed to improve. That it somehow was never quite good enough as it's shifted and changed and carried me through my life. It was exhausting.
A Shift in Mindset
Working on your body implies that there’s something wrong that needs fixing, while working with your body recognizes it as a partner. Your body is more than a vehicle for aesthetic goals; it’s a living, breathing system that communicates its needs daily. By listening to it, respecting its limitations, and appreciating its strengths, you develop a deeper sense of self and appreciation for it's capabilities. Aesthetic goals can be worthy goals to have, but if we never move on or shift away from that being the ONLY goal, we're missing a really important part of HEALTH.
Improved Mental Well-being
When you work with your body, you build self-compassion. Instead of pushing through exhaustion or injury to meet a fitness goal, you listen to what your body needs. Maybe it’s more rest, stretching, or nourishment. Maybe it's more movement and adjustments in nutrition practices. This practice of tuning into your body fosters a healthier relationship with yourself, reducing stress and anxiety around physical performance or appearance. You stop punishing your body and start caring for it.
Longevity Over Quick Fixes
Our bodies thrive on consistency, not extreme measures. Working on your body often leads to burnout because of overly strict diets or punishing exercise routines. If "burnt out" is how you describe yourself, a conversation about how you're going about your fitness may be in order! Working with your body encourages a sustainable, long-term approach. It’s about balance—enjoying movement, food, and rest in ways that make you feel good not just for a week, but for a lifetime. This mindset prioritizes longevity, making fitness a life-affirming habit instead of a short-term goal. Being willing to reassess and engage in new habits gives us better insight into how to continue to take care of our body beyond it's aesthetics.
Enhanced Physical Performance
Ironically, working with your body instead of constantly pushing it often leads to better physical results with less aches and pains. When you pay attention to cues for rest or more movement, we tend to lower the risk of injury and overtraining. This allows you to perform at your best, reach fitness goals more safely, and maintain progress without the setbacks that come from ignoring your body’s signals.
Embrace Your Body as a Partner
Ultimately, the biggest benefit of working with your body is the holistic approach it brings. It’s a mindset that embraces health as a state of balance between body and mind, not a constant pursuit of perfection. So, rather than viewing your body as a project to work on, let's see it as something we work WITH—one that’s already doing its best to support you every day.
