If you’re new to working with affirmations, chances are you might be a bit hesitant. After all, talking to yourself isn’t something that’s usually encouraged. But I’m here to tell you that affirmations are a powerful motivational tool – and also, that saying them aloud to yourself definitely gets less cringey over time.
Affirmations are simply positive statements you say in the present tense, and they can be used to boost your self-esteem and encourage positive thinking in any area of your life.
The most powerful affirmations are often ones you come up with yourself – as then they are tailored to your goals and sensibilities. But if you’re just getting started, or need a bit of inspiration, below are 12 positive fitness affirmations for you to try. Keep the ones that resonate, and tweak or ditch the others – and together we’ll show 2023 who’s boss!
Good health is a practice, and I have patience – January
The new year can feel like a daunting time. The weather’s miserable, and we’re still recovering from the festive period – which, according to research by Peloton, 51% of Brits agree is the most taxing time of year. With that in mind, this month’s affirmation is all about setting yourself up for success and setting healthy, realistic expectations. We don’t want quick fixes; January is a time for getting your ducks in a row and prioritizing good health for months and years to come.
One day, this will be my warm-up – February
Studies have found that 80% of people have given up on their new year’s resolutions by the time February rolls around – so if you’ve made it this far, great work. If you started your fitness journey in January, things might still feel quite tough, but it will feel easier before you know it – and this affirmation is a great one to lean on any time you feel like giving up.
I trust the process – March
You don’t have to be one of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad to use this classic (but as a Gunners fan, I’d like to flag that we were top of the table at the time of writing, so it clearly works). As we move into spring, you might feel restless for change; this affirmation is a great reminder that wherever you are with your fitness goals is exactly where you’re meant to be.
My goal is progress, not perfection – April
Even if you do trust the process, things probably won’t go entirely smoothly. You might get injured and need to take some time out, or life might get hectic and messy, pushing exercise further down your list of priorities. And you know what? That’s OK. The important thing is to keep going – baby steps or great leaps, it’s all good.
I feel fitter and stronger every day – May
Obviously, each of our bodies are different, but they say that it takes eight weeks to feel a change, 12 weeks to see a change. By the start of May, you’ve been at this game for 17 weeks, so you should be noticing something. Celebrate your progress – and inspire yourself to keep going, with this winner of a statement.
I’m doing this for me – June
With the lovely long days and (hopefully) warmer weather can come unsolicited comments about your body, and the distraction of al fresco fun – both of which could potentially throw you off course. This is the time to refocus your mind on why you’re working out and engaging in healthy practices. Remind yourself daily that you’re doing this for you and keep on trucking.
Summer bodies are just bodies in the summer – July
This is your timely reminder that as long as you’re alive in the summer, yours is a summer body. Dress it in a bikini on the beach or shorts while running, but for the love of God, don’t turn yourself into a human boil-in-a-bag out of fear that your thighs are “too big” or your abs aren’t defined enough. Treat your “summer body” with the love and respect it deserves.
I exercise because I can, not because I should – August
There are going to be times when following through on your fitness resolutions might feel like a burden, and something you have to do, rather than something you actually want to (and, if you’re anything like me, that time will be the height of summer, when everyone you know seems to be living in a beer garden). But the truth is, there’s no external compulsion for you to work out – and reminding yourself of that can be both liberating and inspiring.
I’m so proud of how far I’ve come – September
It doesn’t matter how long ago you left school; September is forever a month of fresh beginnings. After the summer, it’s the perfect time to reset goals, reflect on how you’re feeling now compared with January and think about what you’d like from the rest of the year. It’s also a great time to celebrate everything you’ve achieved so far – and this wonderful affirmation does just that.
I nourish my body inside and out – October
Kate Moss reportedly said that nothing tastes as good as skinny feels but let’s face it, the only skeletons any of us actually want to see are the paper ones hanging above a bowl of trick or treat sweets. If you struggle with the idea of nourishing your body, this mantra will remind you that your body will perform, feel and function better when properly fed.
When the going gets tough, the tough get moving – November
It’s cold, dark and probably raining – as the end of the year draws ever-closer, you might find your willpower waning. But it’s now – when the conditions are bleak – that you’ll reap the psychological rewards from those lovely endorphins. Repeat this mantra to yourself as a daily reminder that moving your body, in any way that feels good, is always the right thing to do.
Self-care isn’t selfish – December
If you relate to the 53% of respondents who told Peloton they wish they prioritized themselves during this demanding time of year, this one’s for you. There’s no doubt that it can be hard to carve out time for yourself during the festive season – but this is exactly the time when you probably need that stress-busting yoga flow or endorphin-boosting cardio session the most. If you feel yourself putting everyone and everything before your own wellness needs, this affirmation will give you the permission you need to take some time for yourself.
This article was written by Miranda Larbi from The Guardian and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive Content Marketplace. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
This article is being provided for educational purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsement, solicitation or offer of any particular insurance product or product type and is not intended, and should not be relied upon, as insurance or financial advice.
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