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Don’t let fitness FOMO get the best of you. Choose the best workout routine for you!
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Each year in January, then sometime in February, probably right around April, again in July, and then through October into the new year, I experience what I’ve come to call “fitness FOMO”. We all know FOMO, you know, Fear Of Missing Out. Fitness FOMO is that feeling that hits when your favorite trainer shares a new fitness challenge when you’re right in the middle of another program. Or maybe you see post after post of Insta friends talking about how TOUGH (but good!) their workout was from [insert program here] and you find yourself envious of the inevitable DOMS.
As mentioned, I’ve been there. I am there. I will be there again. Part of what makes fitness so much fun is friends and social media. I remember seeing posts on Facebook way back at the beginning of my journey and thinking, “That looks like fun! I want to do what SHE’S doing!” At the same time, it’s always encouraging to head to the yoga studio with a buddy or share a training run on Instagram and get a virtual high five from a follower. It’s motivating and a big part of what keeps us moving (pun intended).
So it’s natural to see everyone excited about that new challenge and want to jump on board. Or to see all your buddies signing up for a race and suddenly you have credit card in hand. But at what point is it harmful (or at least not helpful)?
Related: Dynamic Total Body Warm Up
You’ve probably heard the expression, “Stay in your own lane.” Recently, that’s been resonating with me in a whole new way. While I’m super motivated by the CrossFitters, the heavy lifters, the marathoners, and the #yogaeverydamnday-ers, I have to remind myself that I have different goals. I have my own goals that are unique to me and no one else. I don’t necessarily want to do a 250lb. deadlift (though it would be cool!) or train for a marathon (right now 😉 ), and that’s ok. When I “stay in my own lane” and focus on my journey I see the fruits of my labor and save a little money too.
Related: Five Things I Loved in January
The struggle and the comparisons can be so real in today’s world. So in case you’re like me and find yourself feeling the fitness FOMO every now then, I want you to know it’s ok. Draw inspiration from those around you and build upon that. If you want to run, then run. If you want to go to CrossFit, then go. If you want to lift your 8lb weights for 45 reps, by golly, you can! The best workout routine for you isn’t going to look the same as it does for the girl next door, the girl on Instagram, or the girl two mats down at yoga. The best workout routine for you will be the one that makes you sweat, makes you smile, and leaves you fulfilled.
Question: Have you ever experienced “fitness FOMO”?
I’m linking up with Annmarie and Nicole for Wild Workout Wednesday!
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Oh the FOMO. I get that a lot right now with it being a cold winter up here and then seeing posts of people running outside. I find it’s much easier to stomach when I’ve already done my workout for the day (assuming it’s been a good one). But I’m also counting down the weeks until it’s outdoor running weather up here!
Oh the dreaded FOMO, I get that with everything from workouts to races! I think that once you figure out the best routine for you, the fomo feelings slowly go away. For example, while I would love to do crossfit, I just know it’s not for me sue to my shoulder and knee issues and that’s okay.
At the end of the day, the best routine is what you can stick with! But FOMO is real, especially when it comes to races (for me!) I have to remind myself that I don’t have to do everything in one year
It is so easy to get wrapped up in everything just so you don’t miss out. I used to sign up for ALL the races then I realized it was hampering my long term goals. Definitely going to be feeling the FOMO once I have surgery though! 😛
I do get into FOMO mode sometimes, but I try to remind myself that I like what I’m doing (if I like what I’m doing that is) and that it’s impossible to be a CrossFitter and a runner and a yogi and a pilates master and an Orange Theory addict haha.
I had major FOMO last summer when I was sidelined. Not just FOMO of races missed, but FOMO of running in general. I would have traded places with all of the nay-sayers who were complaining about the summer heat. But, that was not possible, so I had to just do what I could do with what my circumstances allowed. And, I was able to find my own peace with it 😉