We often compare ourselves to other people in most aspects of life and the gym is, unfortunately, no exception. Researchers and doctors alike claim that this can be detrimental to not only your mental wellbeing but also your physical.
Why shouldn’t we compare ourselves to others?
We are all at different stages when it comes to working out and fitness, and because we are all on our own journeys, it’s important that you don’t fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others.
If you are comparing and focused on someone else’s workouts, body or gains rather than your own, you may not only injure yourself trying to perform an exercise that exceeds your current level, but you may also cause mental issues. Comparing yourself to others can have detrimental effects on your mental health, and you will continuously be disappointed when you don’t look, weigh, lift or feel like the person you are comparing yourself to.
Your body type
The next point is that the exercise may be wrong for your body type! We often see this at our gym, people trying to copy other people’s workouts, thinking it is going to get them the same results when in fact it does the complete opposite. As personal trainers, we understand that everyone is different, that is why when we put together a training program for you it is specifically designed and tailored to your body type, shape, fitness level and weight. Copying someone at the gym and doing their workout or exercise routine does not take all of this into account, and in turn, you may hurt yourself in the process. More so, you may end up developing the wrong muscles, making you look more prominent in certain places you may not have wanted muscle growth.
Mental Health
Mental health is probably the most significant reason not to compare yourself to others. We are all unique in our way, and if you are always comparing yourself to others, you may begin to adopt unconscious, dangerous habits, that can be damaging overall to your health and mental wellbeing. In fact, it has been proven that body image concerns are significant contributors, going hand in hand as a catalyst to mental illnesses such as; depression, anxiety, eating disorders and more. In general, it’s important to understand that we need to work with our circumstances, not someone’s else’s.
Focus on your journey, and your goals
So next time you’re working out try not to compare gym workouts, body types and looks to others. Try to focus on your own fitness journey and goals; it’s important to set small goals for the week completed, be that to gain a bit of weight, lose some, tone up etc. Remember to try not to get caught up or fixated on someone else exercises, as you might not be doing what is right for your body type, level of fitness and so on. More so, you will be focusing on someone else, rather than yourself which is only going to hinder your ability to get fit and reach your own personal results and goals.