Comparison is everywhere today. In my opinion, the worst kind of comparison is any regarding our own body in a negative way. I wouldn’t say I’m a very competitive person but I would say I’m quite a critical person, self-critical that is. I’m often tough on myself and have always been my own worst critic.
Now while going to the gym is considered to be a physical activity, exercise can have a huge effect on a person’s emotional state. The gym can be one of the best and worst places for a persons self esteem. It’s easy to see other people in the gym making something you find challenging, look easy. Maybe it’s more weight than you can squat or maybe it’s a more advanced type of exercise. Sure you put effort in every gym session but when you see someone else doing ‘more’ you’re suddenly not as good or not doing enough.
Whatever it is, always remember, everyone starts a different points and everyone you see is at a different stage in their journey.
Ask yourself
Where have I come from? What’s my story? What are my physical abilities? Where do I want to go?
Then ask yourself if you’re doing the best you can with where you are right now. Are you making progress? Are you better / stronger than you were a month ago? Are you continuously showing up?
When comparison hits, remember…
You don’t know where they have come from and where they are in their journey. The person next to you may be lifting an extra 40kg than you but they may have been lifting for 2 years more than you. Someone else may be just as new to weights and lifting more BUT they might also have a long background in other sports.
Your bodies are completely different!! Maybe they’re shorter with more power or taller with longer legs. Everyone’s genetics are different and will play a huge role in your activities.
Everyone progresses at a different rate. Some movements will come really easily to you, whereas you’ll struggle with others. Your strengths will be someone else’s weaknesses. If you don’t pick something up as quickly as someone else, or find your progress is slow that’s totally okay.
Focus on what your body can do. It is so easy to focus on what your body doesn’t look like, what it can’t do, or how it could be better.
…..
Think of all of the things it does for you every second of ever day! When you exercise you’re pushing it further, testing its limits. Be proud of every extra second you’re able to hold a plank, celebrate the increase in weight you can squat. Respect your body and give praise where it’s due, even to yourself.
