Transform your mind first and look at how and why you approach your body like you do, and where the feelings about your body (and food) stem from. If you can hand on heart say you are genuinely grounded, love yourself (however clichéd that may sound), are truly present, confident and have self-efficacy, and you would like to change your body shape and weight for health reasons (and maybe even aesthetic reasons - and nothing wrong with that as long as you're coming from a healthy state of mind), then eating for health and improving your digestive system and lifestyle is the way to go. By taking part in fun workouts with friends - bootcamps and HIIT classes (High Intensity Interval Training) for example, as well as a loving dose of Pilates and yoga - you could be saying hello to a more defined body shape, upped energy levels and increased longevity in no time.
If on the other hand you 'say' you would like to transform your body shape, lose weight or gain weight, then again depending on your state of mind you will either succeed or forever be chasing your tail on a proverbial treadmill for years to come. No good starting yet another fad diet on Monday or having a gastric band fitted when your head (and heart) still isn't sorted; no good have a tummy tuck or lipo if you think it's a shortcut to looking good and feeling happier, and no good spending money on personal trainers and handing the responsibility of your body (and ultimately your life over to them) if you're really a secret binger - you're wasting good money and the personal trainer's valuable time and effort. You need to sort your head out first!
A great place to start is with a yoga class - to enhance awareness to your breathing and in turn becoming more mindful and more honest with yourself. Through your body you can focus your mind, and with your mind you can transform and change your body. Getting to really know oneself takes effort, so seeking help from a recommended therapist can be a sound place to face the root of any issues - discover why you comfort eat for example, explore how to make new and healthy habits and ease unhealthy obsessions - do you go to the gym instead of a family event or take two classes a day instead of spending time on your relationships? Become aware of what is really going on in your life and why you make the choices you do.
Practising meditation - sitting quietly for just 5 or 10 minutes a day is a step in the right direction to living life at a deeper level, to really get to know who you truly are and what your healthy needs and wants may be. Meditation transforms your body and your mind to live your life with awareness, balance and ultimately to having peace of mind.
Angie Newson
Angie Newson has been in the health, fitness and well-being industry for over 21 years and has taught all aspects of fitness. She is fully qualified to teach Pilates with The Pilates Foundation UK and is a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher. You can follow her on Twitter @AngieNewson and visit her website - www.exploreyogapilates.com
