Tag: #liftingweights

WHO INSPIRES YOU: THOSE WHO GIVE US COURAGE TO FIGHT FOR HEALTH

Man Lying on Floor While Woman Sitting on Man's Feet

“Who impacts your life?”

those who push you

We all have someone we look to that makes us strive for something better. That person can be a relative or someone in society that has no attachment to you. When you are young athletes and entertainers inspire you so much do a lot of things in life. But when we get older a lot of times those inspirations that were great to us then are not always the people we hold close to us as we age. Siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends are the people who change our perspective. Very rare do we hold to the other public figures unless they are someone that really changed to way we think and live our lives. But when it comes to health, the people in the public eye are so many of the people that inspire us.

those exercise tapes are useful

Anyone remember the Tai Bo exercise tapes, or better yet, we all know Richard Simmons. We see these tapes, and for those of us in shape, it really hasn’t impacted our lives. But for the people who needed that extra push to get themselves in shape, Richard Simmons was that man. He didn’t just exercise and explain to you how to stay in shape. He was so animated in making people feel like they were and could be the best version  of themselves. He inspired even the next generation of fitness gurus that dealt with weight problems, or watched someone close to them deal with issues concerning weight.

they are now watching you

Understand that when you start on your path to getting yourself in shape, there are the younger ones watching you. The next generation that will take your cues and persevere in their life’s journey. And even though you may not want the job, it is yours, because you will inspire them as others have inspired you.

Personal Website: http://www.faheemjackson.squarespace.com

Instagram Me: @theefaheemjackson

Twitter Me: @2320howe

WE’RE NOT ALL MEANT TO BE SKINNY: HOW TO KNOW YOUR BODY

 

Woman Holding Measuring Tape on Hips

“Cut yourself some slack.”

avid lifter

If you are out there and just so happen to stumble upon this article and you are one of those in need of the perfect body people, slow down. It’s ok if you want to go out and weight lift or run to lose weight. But realize something, not everyone is meant to be skinny. Some people are born big, and are genetically inclined to having more weight. So if you think you’re going to look like one of these Victoria Secret models, or some guy who is husky thinking he’ll be some washed board beauty, hang it up. The reality is, you are not going to be one of those people.

expectations

I have gone on the internet, and looked at photos of guys that I would like to mirror. Now, luckily for me, I have the ability over time to have the body that I see in magazines. Because even in my slim body you can see my clear muscular definition. But for most guys, they just will not have the ability to be here. That doesn’t mean that life is over and all is lost. Because contrary to what we might think as guys, women don’t all have the same stereotypical view of the man of their dreams. Women like variations in their men. Some men like a husky guy and some men want a woman with a little extra. Magazines and the internet creates this false idea of what beauty really is.

goal vs. standard

Having a distinct goal versus a standard must be addressed. It is fine to have a goal because that is something to shoot for in life. But when something becomes the standard it must be observed through a proper lens. Because something that becomes a standard can leave you depressed if you are not looking at it in a rational manner. Meaning you want to date a man 6’3 or above, 90% of men are shorter than 5’10. So if your standard is above this you’re most likely going to live out life alone. If your goal is something quite unattainable, even if you never get it, you can still be happy.

Personal Website: http://www.faheemjackson.squarespace.com

Instagram Me: @theefaheemjackson

Twitter Me: @2320howe

LEARNED BEHAVIOR: THE RESULTS OF MIRRORED EATING HABITS

 

Woman in Black Shirt Facing Mirror

“I did what I knew.”

in the home

Growing up, your image of health is your parents. They are the ones feeding you and feeding themselves in the process. And that is how it was in my household growing up. I ate whatever my mother would eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The only problem is that she battled a weight problem for most of her adult life. And only now is she able to take off the pounds. That’s how most people end up overweight themselves. They watch their parents consume food and never exercise, so it becomes a thing for them. Yet, my mother always stressed keeping yourself in shape and healthy. She never wanted us to battled like she did with weight.

affordability

If you grew up in a poor house and community, then chances are, you will not have the money for healthy food. And when that happens, you eat things that are not good for you, leading to illnesses. But what are you to do when you have multiple mouths to feed and you are operating on a limited budget. The food that is cheaper is unhealthy, but it is what the family can afford. This is when you need to go to other measures to make sure you’re eating right. Meaning, you can afford chicken, but don’t fry it, bake it. Use less sugar in teas and cool-aids. Don’t eat to get full, eat to fulfill what is necessary so you are not hungry.

remove yourself from the environment

In order for you to make your life better physically, you need to put yourself in a different environment than the one you are in. My immediate familial circle was always people who ate whatever we wanted to eat. Then there were a few people in my family who had no choice but to change their lives. But for the people who come from a family where people except their eating habits, you might have to remove yourself from them. Not because you don’t love them, you just have to love yourself.

Personal Website: http://www.faheemjackson.squarespace.com

Instagram Me: @theefaheemjackson

Twitter Me: @2320howe