From blogs to books and everything in between, this world we live in is completely inundated with health and wellness. From the latest and greatest equipment to the best-of-the-best exercises, from well-branded shoes to clothes that epitomize cool—and we all really, truly want to be cool—we just can't get away from it. So we buy into the hype. We sign up for the latest diets and the most popular fitness classes. We dress ourselves in the hottest gym gear, carry the fanciest gym bag, then we head to the gym and work hard. And when we're done, we hit up a restaurant with friends and order the healthiest meal possible. Because that's what fit people do, right?
Right. But sometimes we get lost in all that shuffle and we start playing keep-up. He's got those shoes, mine are no longer good enough. She's wearing that brand, I can't possibly wear these old shorts again. He's lifting those weights, I'll just give up right now. But really, who cares. I say this: stop judging yourself.
And on the flip side, stop judging others. That is what turns you into a health snob. If you repeatedly look at others and question their fitness, pick apart every last muscle you either see or don't see, or if you condemn them for ordering something slightly unhealthy (or super healthy) at a meal—if you do this, or if you ever catch yourself doing this, ask yourself why you've let it happen. Is it justified, or are you just projecting a personal issue onto an innocent bystander?
We all have our own way of participating when it comes to health and wellness. I can't tell you what to do (unless you're my client, ha) and you can't tell me what to do. My body, my mind and my soul are all completely different from yours. And that's what makes personal relationships so beautiful. Even at the gym. We can all learn from each other. We can all coexist. So harness that negative, health-snob energy when you feel it coming to fruition. Make it positive and talk to the subject of your thoughts. Does she really look like a man, or are you totally envious of her slim and sleek (and totally strong) physique? Does it really annoy you when someone orders a salad, or are you regretting your lack of willpower in the burger department? Again, talk to the subject of your thoughts. You might discover a new trick of the health and wellness trade.
And if you're lucky, you might even discover something about yourself.
Speaking of burgers...nah, just kidding! I don't have a burger recipe for you. I could devour a turkey burger right about now, though. One that's fresh off the grill, maybe with a side of corn on the cob. It's all this warm weather we've been having. And when I think about warm weather, I think about our grill. And turkey burgers.
Love them. Don't you?
Question: Are you a health snob?