The Reddit Post That Started It All
So, I was scrolling through r/gainit the other day, and this post caught my eye. A woman shared her 9-year progress, going from 120lbs to 154lbs. What really struck me wasn't just the physical transformation, but her journey of learning and adapting her approach to fitness over almost a decade. It's easy to get caught up in quick fixes and instant results, but her story highlights the power of long-term consistency and evolving your methods as you learn more. She mentioned starting with a crazy gym schedule and a super strict diet, eventually finding a more balanced approach that worked for her life. I've seen this happen so many times, where people burn out early because they're trying to do too much too soon. This post was a great reminder that fitness is a marathon, not a sprint.
It's tempting to jump into the most intense workouts and the strictest diets right away, but that's not sustainable for most people. This woman's experience shows that finding a balance between pushing yourself and allowing yourself flexibility is key to long-term success. She also touched on the importance of learning and adapting, which is something I think a lot of people overlook. As you get more experienced with weightlifting, your body changes, your goals evolve, and your knowledge expands. You need to be willing to adjust your training and diet accordingly. The fact that she went from excessive training to a more manageable routine as she became more educated on growth is important. I wanted to dive deeper into the lessons we can all learn from her journey.
From Gym Obsession to Sustainable Progress
This part really resonated with me: "When I first started, I was going to the gym 5-6 times a week with 1-2 hour workouts and would FREAK if I missed a day." I've been there. Many of us have. That initial burst of motivation can be so powerful, but it's often unsustainable. The obsession with "eating clean" to the point of bringing prepped meals to Thanksgiving dinner? That's dedication, sure, but it's also a sign that things might be a little too extreme. It is this kind of obsession that can be detrimental in the long run. What's interesting is that she recognized this herself, acknowledging that her early approach was "unhealthy." It's easy to get caught up in the idea that more is always better when it comes to fitness, but that's simply not true. Quality over quantity, my friends.
She also mentioned that she thought she was focusing on progressive overload in the early years, but it was mainly "fluff volume." This is a common mistake, especially for beginners. It's easy to get caught up in doing a million reps with light weights, thinking that you're building muscle. But true progressive overload involves gradually increasing the weight you're lifting over time. This requires proper form and a focus on compound exercises. It is quite important to focus on quality over quantity and progressively increase over time. It's a testament to her journey that she identified this mistake and adjusted her approach.
What This Means for YOUR Fitness Journey
So, what can we learn from all of this? Well, first of all, it's a reminder that fitness is a long game. There are no quick fixes or magic bullets. It takes time, consistency, and a willingness to learn and adapt. If you're just starting out, don't feel like you need to go to the gym every day and eat perfectly clean all the time. Start with a manageable routine and gradually increase the intensity and frequency as you get more comfortable. Focus on building a sustainable lifestyle, not just achieving short-term results. What is the point of achieving a goal in the short term if you can't sustain it? The answer is there is no point.
Also, pay attention to your body. If you're feeling burnt out or overwhelmed, it's okay to take a step back and reassess your approach. Listen to your body. The woman in the Reddit post mentioned that she now goes to the gym 4-5 times a week for shorter workouts, focusing on progressive overload and compound exercises. This is a much more sustainable approach for most people. And remember, it's okay to be flexible with your diet. There's no need to deprive yourself of your favorite foods. Just focus on eating a balanced diet and getting enough protein. You don't need to restrict yourself from every single food that you enjoy.
The Honest Truth About Slow Progress
Let's be real: the more advanced you get in weightlifting, the slower your progress will be. That's just a fact. It's easy to get discouraged when you're not seeing results as quickly as you used to, but it's important to remember that progress is still progress. The woman in the Reddit post mentioned that it's nice to look back and see how far she's come. This is a great reminder to track your progress and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Take progress pictures, write down your PRs (personal records), and reflect on how far you've come. It is difficult to see progress day to day. That's why it's important to celebrate.
And let's also be honest about the challenges of staying motivated. Life gets in the way. You get busy with work, family, and other commitments. It's easy to skip workouts and fall off track with your diet. That's okay! It happens to everyone. The key is to not beat yourself up about it. Just get back on track as soon as you can. Forgive yourself. One missed workout or one unhealthy meal isn't going to derail your progress. Just focus on making healthy choices most of the time. Being able to forgive yourself is a sign of emotional and mental maturity.
Making Fitness Fit Your Life, Not the Other Way Around
One of the biggest takeaways from the Reddit post is the importance of making fitness fit your life, not the other way around. The woman in the post adjusted her gym schedule and diet as her life changed. This is key to long-term success. If you're trying to force yourself into a routine that doesn't work for you, you're going to burn out eventually. Find a way to incorporate fitness into your life that is sustainable and enjoyable.
Depending on your schedule and commitments, this might mean working out at home instead of going to the gym. It might mean meal prepping on the weekends so you have healthy meals ready to go during the week. It might mean finding a workout buddy to keep you accountable. It might mean taking rest days when you need them. The key is to be flexible and adaptable. There is no one size fits all solution. Find what works for you and stick with it. Fitness is about creating a long term lifestyle change and adopting healthy habits for life.
Practical Steps to Apply This
Okay, so how do you actually put all of this into practice? First, start by assessing your current fitness routine. Are you enjoying it? Is it sustainable? Are you seeing results? If not, it's time to make some changes. If you are not seeing results, it's time to reevaluate and see what isn't working. This is a key step in the process.
Next, set realistic goals. Don't try to lose 50 pounds in a month. Focus on making small, sustainable changes that will lead to long-term progress. Set small goals for yourself and continue to build upon them as you go. It's much better to set smaller achievable goals than impossible ones. Then, find a workout routine that you enjoy. If you hate running, don't force yourself to run. Find an activity that you find fun and engaging. This could be anything from weightlifting to swimming to dancing. Consistency is key, so it's important to find something that you'll actually stick with. Finally, focus on eating a balanced diet. Don't deprive yourself of your favorite foods. Just focus on eating healthy most of the time and allowing yourself to indulge occasionally.
My Final Thoughts
Ultimately, this Reddit post was a great reminder that fitness is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, setbacks and successes. The key is to stay consistent, be patient, and learn from your mistakes. Don't compare yourself to others. Focus on your own progress and celebrate your achievements. Everyone's journey is unique, so there is no need to compare. What works for one person might not work for another.
Maybe I'm wrong, but I think the most important thing is to find a way to make fitness a part of your life that you enjoy. If you're not enjoying it, you're not going to stick with it. So find something that you love and make it a priority. And remember, it's okay to ask for help. If you're struggling, reach out to a trainer, a nutritionist, or a friend. There are plenty of people who are willing to support you on your journey.