I believe that 2018 has been a year of prosperity for many people. It appears as though the trend is for everyone to be the best version of themselves, which means eating right and staying fit. However, most people strongly feel that in order to look your best, you have to constantly and consistently go to the gym and do the most strenuous workouts to burn the most calories. I am here to say that there is in fact no secret method to a healthy lifestyle, because everyone is different and what may work for someone may not always be the solution for another. I do believe that our bodies are temples, and in order to live the best life possible, we have to treat our vessels as a sort of prized piece of artwork; we must be respectful to our bodies and treat them with delicacy and admiration.

I would be lying if I said I have never been discouraged when working out at the gym. Despite my best efforts to remain positive and remind myself that everybody is different, I cannot help but think that the work I put into my body while working out is never good enough. I have taken countless spin classes, run more hours than I can count on the treadmill, and painfully done enough squats to say that I am somewhat knowledgeable about fitness and health. I have stayed up late at night to watch workout videos on YouTube to find new routine inspiration for my next gym day, or to find the latest “quick" exercise trend. Most people can attest to having  done this at least once before, which is absolutely ok.

Personally, I have always been the type of person to consistently stick to a routine that feels comfortable - if I like it, I will keep it and won’t stray. I have heard that in order to get extremely good results from workouts, you have to add in some variety and switch up your conventional method of execution. But again, not everyone is the same. For people like me, this idea will not work. As I have said before, there is no one perfect workout routine. Completing a certain exercise will not transform your body overnight. As frustrating as it may be to accept, results take time, so it is essential that we continue to work towards our goals to be the best versions of ourselves as possible. If one person at the gym is doing set after set of pull-ups, do not feel obligated to do the same. If another individual is capable of endurance running, all that means is that it works for them - and will not necessarily work for you- and that is okay! It is so important to feel comfortable when working out because it is such an accomplishment for even wanting to improve yourself.

I always have to think of progress as pieces of a puzzle. Not many people can sit down and complete a project that long and tedious without breaks in between. The same goes for working out - it is not a race to the end, but a marvelous journey to the beginning of a new and improved you. Next time you find yourself at the gym, do not feel discouraged because everyone there is on the same mission to ultimately make themselves feel empowered and healthy. Find a routine that satisfies you and motivates you to workout. There is no wrong method for improvement.