 |
| Image Source: complex.com |
I've never been one to tout the Kardashians as role models, nor involve myself in their drama-ridden "reality."
But, since Khloe took control of her health, I've found her, well ... inspiring. Revenge Body is no exception.
Kelsey Miller at refinery29 was quick to condemn Khloe, those on her new show, and those who watch her new show. Miller — who is not, mind you, a health and fitness expert — is the mind behind "The Anti-Diet Project" and "Rational Fitness."
Both programs seem to advocate utilizing happiness as an effective means of getting healthy. They're basically the Joel Osteens of the health and fitness world. Miller makes some good points with these programs — killing yourself in the gym every day will only make you miserable; depriving yourself of every tasty treat will do more harm than good — but she never tells the whole story. She claims that taking a long, meditative walk counts as being active. I admit that those are excellent for overall health and are far better than sitting on the couch for a Netflix binge, but long walks do not a fitness regimen make.
When you want to see results, you have to push yourself. You have to get out of your comfort zone. That doesn't mean train for a marathon if you hate running. That just means challenge yourself. Get your heart rate above 140. Load the bar a little more (safely). When you've gone as hard as you think you can go, go a little harder.
That, to me, is the point of Revenge Body. In the first episode, we met Will and Stephanie. Both were tested, and both proved to themselves that they were capable of so much more than they expected. Both were on the show to get revenge, against an ex and against friends, respectively, and both eventually realized that those people's opinions don't matter.
Each person found strength within themselves to get healthy, and that's exactly what they did. They spent three months focusing on nothing but themselves, and they were better off for it.
Those of us who struggle with our weight often put others' needs before our own. We take care of everyone else and neglect ourselves. We overeat. We don't exercise. We eat our feelings. Then, we realize how much weight we've gained, feel guilty, and eat even more.
Revenge Body serves as a reminder that your health is about you, and no one else. If you want to get healthy, you have to make the decision to put yourself first. Take care of your needs. You need to make time to exercise. You need to eat whole, healthy foods. You need to get enough sleep, and you need to take care of your mind through plenty of rest and relaxation.
To Miller's points, no, this is not a groundbreaking new health and fitness show that will give you the tools you need to lose weight. It's a Kardashian show on E!, for Pete's sake.
But, it is a show that can provide you that extra bit of motivation you need to get off the couch. It's a show that will remind you that your social and mental problems won't be fixed simply with weight loss. It's a show that will prove that those people you're getting "revenge" against by getting hot are just toxic and completely undeserving of your time.
If you're like me and find motivation in seeing other people succeed in their weight loss and health goals, then Revenge Body is a great show for you. If you're looking for tips and tricks and secrets to weight loss: look elsewhere. Little time is actually spent on the importance of healthy food choices and great workout regimens.
Regardless of whether you choose to watch it, remember that your health is about you. If some jerk inspires you to get healthy to get Revenge, then let that be your motivation. But don't let that be your purpose. Your purpose is to get healthy for you. To show yourself what you can do. To ensure you have a longer life, more energy, and greater happiness over all.
If you are looking for tips and tricks to help you with your weight loss/health journey, these are some of my personal favorite resources (be sure to let me know yours in the comments!):
- Whole30 Diet: http://whole30.com
- Stupid Easy Paleo Recipes: http://stupideasypaleo.com
- Self Magazine: http://www.self.com
- Greatist Health & Fitness Blog: http://greatist.com
And, you can follow my personal fitness journey on Instagram: @laurencathleenfitness
No comments:
Post a Comment