MY TOP 3 FITNESS MISTAKES & HOW YOU CAN AVOID THEM

This is very embarrassing to admit but I used to be a miserable fitness junkie... I was obsessed with everything health and fitness related. I’d read anything and everything I can find about new trends, latest workouts, celebrities’ fitness routines.  I’d easily spend an hour just looking through #fitspo posts on Instagram comparing my body to other girls… I remember feeling so confused, lost, and very unhappy in my own skin.

Fast-forward to today, I’m living my healthiest and happiest life. I am not chasing after the next new trend, having six packs or looking like the “perfect” fitspo body. I am finally confident in my own perfectly imperfect body.
And I really want you to feel that way too: confident, happy and healthy. So, I wanted share the 3 mistakes I did on my fitness journey and basically how I went from being miserable to a much happier and healthier place. :)

1: THE COMPARISON GAME

Social media makes it so easy to compare how we look to other girls. I used to follow so many junk fitness accounts. My feed was full of before-and-after pictures, dramatic weight loss stories, and VS angels showing off their abs. Some of those posts got me into a comparison game in my head and I would end up feeling insecure and terrible afterwards.
So, my first suggestion for you is to unfollow any person or account that promotes unrealistic dieting and exercise. Clean up your social media from any post that makes you feel bad about your body. Be very mindful of which accounts you follow. Only choose accounts and people that are empowering, joyful and helpful for you.

2: NEGLECTING EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

During my “ unhappy fitness junkie” years, it was actually not really about fitness. I can see it now looking back that it was really about my feelings and mindset. I had just moved to a new country alone. It was a challenging time in my life. So, I turned to fitness and food to forget about my anxiety and fears. I was trying to control and manipulate my body to get away from my new life. It wasn’t until I learned to deal with my feelings that everything started to get better.
My advice to you: Work on your mindset as much as you work on your fitness. Mental and emotional wellbeing is as important as physical fitness for overall happiness. Let’s turn the negative self talk in your head into a positive one! Move because you love yourself. Move because you want to take good care of your body, to feel confident and healthy. Read this blog post where I share 5 Meditation Tips For Beginners to get started!
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3: DOING EXERCISES YOU DON'T ENJOY

Have you ever forced yourself to go to a sweaty bootcamp class that you hated? I used to do that but it never felt right for my body. After years of trying different types of workouts, I realized that I enjoy pilates, yoga, or a walk outside much more than a music pumping hiit class. I love how they make me feel so balanced, calm, strong and happy afterwards. That is why I'm so passionate about teaching Pilates. It is all about being mindful and really connecting with your body and mind.

I want you to be doing exercises that you really love. Maybe you prefer a dance class or a run with a friend or yoga, do what feels right for your body. Please stop forcing yourself to do 50 burpees if you really hate it. Don't do any exercises just to "burn off" calories or to look like an unrealistic IG image. Choose exercises that lifts you up and gives you a sense of enjoyment!

I’d love to know if any part of my mistakes or tips resonates with you. Have you ever experienced a similar fitness junkie period in your life? Please comment below to share your experience or send me a note at hande@handemirel.com for a little private chat! :)  
​​With love + health,
Hande
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P.S: ​Sign up to receive my FREE daily Pilates routine e-book to start your mindful movement journey!