Training mindset: celebration vs. punishment

I saw a quote the other day that read like this:

Exercise is not a punishment for the food you ate.
It's a celebration of what your body can do.

This quote really resonated with me on several levels that I want to expand on.

Punishment
People lust for food and have this sexualized relationship with food. The marketing of food has created feelings of pleasure. I enjoy good tasting food like anyone else. However, unchecked can lead us into a deep hole of regret for indulging in far too much pleasure. What happens next are feelings of regret and self loathing. We use exercise as a punishment for the food we ate in hopes that we don't gain weight. The whole process isn't that fun. To be honest, my training no longer focuses on this mindset. This is the mentality of the fitness world which I no longer participate in or have no interest in.

Celebration
At my gym The Training Hall in Newbury Park California our Olympic lifting squad we celebrate our bodies for what it can do. We train day in and day out to see how much stronger we can get. It's not punishment for us because we want to be at the gym. We want to be there. Matter of fact, we can't wait to train. It's this mentality that sets apart someone who 'worksout' vs. someone who 'trains'. There is a difference.

Go against the fitness industry standards because they are setting you up for disappointment. Just take a look at any fitness magazine and on the cover is fake digital image of a model making you think that this is what you should strive for. It's exterior motivation pining you down against your own ideals.

Create your own standards that are centered around you. I am a minority when I say this but a big F.U. to the fitness industry!!!! Be someone different and celebrate your own personal success. Challenge your body's performance and you'll be surprised what it can do. Lasting training success that is fulfilling can only come from within. Celebrate your performance.

Coach Cano