You're Not Alone.

When you're baptized into the world of fitness, you're often asked to think about things that you've probably taken for granted -- moving, eating, sleeping, stressing -- and not given a whole lot of attention to.

Then, while you're cultivating this new awareness, a library's worth of information is thrown at you. . .

And it can get a little overwhelming.

It's okay if you're overwhelmed because you're not alone.

• You're not the first to be confused about the significance of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water.
• You're not the first to ask, "How is eating more going to help me burn body fat?"
• You're not the first to wonder why "doing cardio" (read: a long distance jog on a treadmill) is not an efficient way to burn fat.

Nor are you the first to: 

• fret about becoming Arnold Schwarzenegger by lifting a dumbbell weighing more than 5 pounds.
• wonder if sleep "is really that important."
• wonder if chronic stress really can keep you fat.
• become frustrated with the limitless (and often conflicting) information that's available to you.

Thousands of people begin this journey without a clue -- or that think they have a clue only to find out they've got lots to learn.  (Hey, even highly skilled, highly educated fitness professionals get puzzled as we try to put piece together what we've learned.)

Your story is unique.  The path you've traveled to get to here and now is unique.  You're reasons for "not knowing everything" about movement, nutrition and health are unique.  But the issues you're having are likely not unique at all.  They're experienced by countless others.

And that's great to know, isn't it?

Because when you know you're not alone. . .

• you can find comfort in others who will identify with (and share) your experience. 
• you have a support system to keep you motivated, to pick you up when you're down, to celebrate your success.
• you've got every reason to pursue the wildest of your dreams with confidence.

Comments

[Tom Parker]

Great post Chris. It can be overwhelming when you start but as long as you seek the advice of others you can gain a lot more clarity on the conflicting fitness advice that you find.

[heidi]

It is nice to know you are not alone. It makes things much easier mentally.

[ssgreylord]

What an informative and inspiring post.

I'm overwhelmed sometimes about all that is out there (information-wise, food, sleep-all that you mentioned). It's also confusing when you hear conflicting messages.

But I guess you have to choose someone you trust and go for it!

[Drea Downes]

I like this post the best. Very inspiring!