That 'Gainit' Post That Got Me Thinking
So, I was browsing r/gainit the other day (as you do), and I saw a progress post that really stuck with me. It was from a guy – let's call him Mark – who went from 145lbs to 180lbs over two years. Now, weight gain posts are a dime a dozen, but something about Mark's story felt different. It wasn't just about the numbers; it was about the journey and the mental hurdles he overcame.
He mentioned struggling for years, hitting roadblocks in high school, and feeling generally miserable. But then, things started to click when he began studying outdoor education. The combination of gym workouts and activities like mountaineering and kayaking gave him a massive confidence boost. And that, in turn, made eating (which he'd always struggled with) a whole lot easier.
Mark's story resonated because it highlights something that often gets overlooked in the fitness world: the mental aspect. We tend to focus on sets, reps, calories, and macros. But what about the mental game? What about finding activities that you genuinely enjoy? What about building confidence and a positive relationship with food? These things are just as important, if not more so, than the physical stuff. Mark's progress wasn't just about gaining weight; it was about gaining a better quality of life. He set a goal to reach 200lbs in 2026, and seems well on his way. It's a great lesson in finding things you like and sticking to them.
Here's What Really Stood Out
What struck me most about Mark's post was the emphasis on enjoyment. He didn't just grind away in the gym; he found activities he loved, and those activities fueled his progress. Think about it: if you dread every workout, you're going to burn out pretty quickly. But if you're doing something you genuinely enjoy, you're far more likely to stick with it long-term.
He also mentioned that eating had become easier. This is huge! For a lot of people (myself included), eating enough to gain weight can be a real challenge. It's not always about restricting calories; sometimes, it's about getting enough calories in. And if you're already struggling with food, forcing yourself to eat more can feel like a chore. But when you're feeling good mentally and physically, and you're enjoying your activities, that extra food doesn't feel so burdensome.
Mark’s journey wasn't a straight line. He had to overcome challenges in high school and beyond, which shows that progress isn't always linear. There will be setbacks, and you will feel like giving up. What’s important is to remember why you started and to keep moving forward, even if it’s just a little bit at a time. That slow and steady wins the race is a great thing to keep in mind. Consistent effort, even when you don't feel like it, is what ultimately leads to success. It’s a tough cycle to get into, but the rewards are worth it.
What This Means for YOUR Fitness Journey
So, what can we learn from Mark's experience? Well, for starters, it highlights the importance of finding activities you love. Don't just force yourself to do workouts that you hate. Experiment with different things until you find something that clicks. Maybe it's rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, or even just playing a sport with friends. The key is to find something that you look forward to doing.
It also emphasizes the importance of mental health. If you're struggling with your mental health, it's going to be tough to make progress in any area of your life, including fitness. Prioritize your mental well-being, whether that means talking to a therapist, practicing mindfulness, or simply making time for activities that you enjoy. Outdoor activity is a great way to do this, getting fresh air and sunlight does wonders.
And finally, it reminds us that progress isn't always linear. There will be ups and downs. There will be times when you feel like you're not making any progress at all. But don't give up. Just keep showing up, keep putting in the effort, and keep focusing on the things that you enjoy. Over time, you will see results.
Now, it's worth noting that everyone's journey is different. What worked for Mark might not work for you. But the underlying principles – finding activities you enjoy, prioritizing your mental health, and being consistent – are universal. The most important thing to do is to just start. Find something you enjoy and that is sustainable for your lifestyle. Don’t fall for fad diets or exercises, find something you can do for the rest of your life. The only way to do this is by finding something you love.
The Unspoken Truth: Consistency Is Brutal
Let's be real: consistency is hard. It's easy to get motivated for a week or two, but maintaining that motivation over the long haul is a different story. Life gets in the way. You get busy with work, family, and other obligations. You get sick. You get injured. And sometimes, you just don't feel like it.
That's why it's so important to build systems that support consistency. This might mean scheduling your workouts in advance, finding a workout buddy, or setting realistic goals. It also means being kind to yourself when you slip up. Don't beat yourself up over a missed workout or an unhealthy meal. Just acknowledge it, learn from it, and move on.
I think one of the biggest things that people miss when trying to start something new is how to deal with the dips. The motivation will wane. You’ll wake up one morning and just not want to do it anymore. That’s completely normal. The key is to push through those feelings, and just get started. You might find that once you get going, you’re feeling more motivated. If not, at least you got it done and don’t have to worry about it anymore.
It's also important to remember that consistency doesn't mean perfection. You don't have to be perfect every single day. You just have to show up and do your best. Some days, your best might be a killer workout. Other days, it might be a gentle walk. And that's okay. The most important thing is to keep moving forward.
Making Fitness Fit Your Life
So, how do you make fitness work for your life, especially when you're busy, stressed, or lacking motivation? Well, the first step is to find ways to integrate it into your daily routine. This might mean waking up 30 minutes earlier to squeeze in a workout, walking or biking to work, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Even small changes can add up over time.
It's also important to be realistic about your goals. Don't try to overhaul your entire life overnight. Start small, and gradually build from there. Maybe you start by working out twice a week, and then gradually increase it to three or four times a week. Or maybe you start by cutting out sugary drinks, and then gradually start eating more fruits and vegetables. The most important thing is to make sustainable changes that you can stick with long-term.
If you’re short on time, try high intensity interval training. HIIT workouts are great because you can get a full workout done in as little as 20 minutes. Plus, you can do them anywhere. All you need is your bodyweight, so no gym required. There are tons of videos online too, so you can just follow along with one of those.
Actually Putting This Into Practice: A Step-by-Step Guide
Okay, so how do you actually put all of this into practice? Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Identify your 'why'. Why do you want to get in shape? What are your goals? Write them down. This will help you stay motivated when things get tough.
- Find activities you enjoy. Experiment with different workouts and activities until you find something that you genuinely look forward to doing. Don't be afraid to try new things.
- Set realistic goals. Don't try to do too much too soon. Start small, and gradually build from there. Be patient with yourself.
- Build systems that support consistency. Schedule your workouts in advance, find a workout buddy, or prepare your meals ahead of time. Make it as easy as possible to stick to your plan.
- Be kind to yourself. Don't beat yourself up over missed workouts or unhealthy meals. Just acknowledge it, learn from it, and move on.
- Track your progress. Keep track of your workouts, your meals, and your measurements. This will help you see how far you've come and stay motivated.
- Celebrate your successes. When you reach a goal, reward yourself (in a healthy way, of course!). This will help you stay motivated and keep moving forward.
Most importantly, remember to have fun! Fitness shouldn't feel like a chore. It should be something that you enjoy and that adds value to your life. If you're not having fun, you're less likely to stick with it long-term. So find activities that you love, set realistic goals, and be patient with yourself. You've got this!
My Take on All This: It's About More Than Just Muscles
Here's the thing: fitness isn't just about building muscle or losing weight. It's about improving your overall quality of life. It's about feeling good physically, mentally, and emotionally. It's about having the energy to do the things you love. And it's about building confidence and self-esteem.
I think Mark's story is a great reminder of that. He didn't just gain weight; he gained confidence, motivation, and a greater appreciation for life. And that's what fitness is really all about. I also think it's important to get outside. We spend too much time inside these days, and getting fresh air and sunlight can do wonders for your mental and physical health.
So, if you're struggling with your fitness journey, take a step back and ask yourself: what am I really trying to achieve? Is it just about the numbers on the scale, or is it about something more? Once you're clear on your goals, you can start to make meaningful changes that will last a lifetime. And who knows, maybe you'll even inspire someone else along the way, just like Mark did for me. Maybe I’ll even see your post on Reddit in a few years.