What does loving yourself mean? And what does it have to do with fitness?

What does loving yourself mean?

We hear that phrase a lot, sometimes so often it loses meaning. Here’s what it means to me:

It means that you love yourself and make space for people, things and places you love now…

And you’re comfortable saying no to what takes you away from that.

It means creating your own value system and actually prioritizing your personal values without making an excuse.

It means showing yourself the same compassion and understanding you would give someone else if they experienced disappointment or pain.

Loving yourself means standing up for yourself even if you have to take a deep breath first.

Loving yourself means looking in the mirror and asking “how can I show up for you today?”

And when it comes to exercise, I truly hope that your exercise loves you back!

Your exercise should give you joy, make you feel good about your body and your life.

And if it’s doesn’t? Then it’s time to find an exercise that speaks to you.

For me, it’s belly dance.

There’s no way to do a move wrong. Because in my class, you’re never wrong. You just found a new shimmy.

You turn left instead of right? Who cares, did you hold your posture well through the turn? Did you have fun?

Body doesn’t move that way yet? You will, with enough practice. Let’s work on some different moves that will help you get there?

You see, I was the worst student in my first class. In front of at least 20 other women, the teacher told me I was the worst, instantly inviting competition and comparison.

I panicked initially. I cried when I got home. But then I took that as a challenge. I wanted to be graceful like her. I wanted to float across the room. I wanted to be effortlessly gentle. And then I wanted to help the other ungraceful people because I couldn’t be the only one.

I practiced every day. And one day it really clicked. One day the walking shimmy came to me and I felt that belly dancing was officially part of me.

People who have known me forever know exactly what I’m talking about 🤣

That’s what I love about belly dancing. You don’t have to be anything or anyone different than who you already are. You can be any age, any size, any fitness or coordination level, you are perfect for belly dancing just the way you are.

So rant over! Love yourself and make sure your workout loves you back.

Final takeaway: make sure your kids see you loving your workout. They need to see positive examples of fitness at home too.