‘If you want to accomplish anything in life, you can’t just sit back and hope it will happen. You’ve got to make it happen.’
– Chuck Norris, American martial artist.
AFTER hearing one too many comments about my weight and physical appearance from relatives over this Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, I decided to sign up for a gym membership.
The last time I went to the gym was in 2018 – donkey’s years ago.
I know I am not alone when it comes to receiving criticisms about my weight and body.
I believe this is a common occurrence for both men and women.
When I was younger, I used to be much smaller and thinner than what I am today but I still would get told that I am “big” sized.
Mind you, even at my lightest weight, which is 52kg, I received such comments.
I used to get upset and annoyed upon hearing such comments, but this is no longer the case.
I choose to believe that these comments come from a good place, perhaps they are just concerned about my health instead of having the intentions of hurting my feelings and damaging my self-confidence.
People often say that as you age, it gets harder to lose weight and inches because of how your body metabolism declines.
This is unfortunately true; I am racking my brain on how to lose 10 kg within the next six months – a somewhat unrealistic goal I have set for myself.
Before this, I have tried all sorts of tips and tricks in my seemingly futile effort to lose weight.
From doing home workouts regimen, controlling my food intake and avoiding sugary drinks, I can assure you that I have attempted it all.
As a sucker for testimonial marketing schemes, I have purchased countless ‘miracle’ supplements that allegedly can help you lose 5kg to 7kg within a week.
These ‘miracle’ supplements obviously did not work for me.
In fact, some had nasty side effects that caused me to experience migraine and palpitations.
For this round, I have decided that I will go to the gym four to five times a week and subscribe to a weekly healthy meal plan.
I am currently in the second week of this new routine, and I am surprised at how disciplined I am this time.
Every time I come home from the gym, I would ask my mom, “Am I skinnier yet?”.
She would often respond, “You have only been to the gym for less than a month. If you immediately lose 2kg every time you go, that is sorcery”.
It is also a plus point that both my home and office are very near to the gym so I cannot make any excuses not to go.
Considering that it has only been five months since my slipped disc surgery, I am not doing any weight training just yet.
I do not want to risk another herniated disc to occur.
Of course, I envy seeing those who can do weight training in the gym, but I know I cannot push myself just yet.
I think this is one of the important things to take note of when it comes to embarking on a journey of improving yourself, especially for losing weight.
It is realising, knowing, and accepting your own limitations.
As someone who suffers from asthma and is recovering from a recent surgery, I know I cannot partake in a high intensity exercise regimen.
Moreover, it goes without saying that I am not going to starve myself because it is very unhealthy and will lead to gastritis.
I personally believe that you have to take on this challenge at your own pace and what is convenient or comfortable for you.
If you see it as a burden, you would not be as motivated and determined to follow through with the goals you have set.
Even though there may not be immediate and apparent results from this new habit I picked up, I can honestly say that I feel a bit physically fitter, and my stamina is picking up.
I am no longer easily out of breath after walking a long distance or climbing up flights of stairs and I get better quality of sleep at night.
People would often say, “Rome was not built in a day” as an adage attesting to the need for time to create great things.
I believe this is applicable to little or significant changes that you want to make in your physical appearance.
As such, do not be discouraged if you are not seeing immediate results just yet because progress is still progress no matter how small.
