The Pursuit of Health Shouldn’t Be a Source of Judgment

How one chooses to pursue fitness and health shouldn’t be a source of judgment.

Externally, we can judge a particular physical practice, be it bodybuilding or water aerobics. Internally, we can judge our abilities, and critique and compare.

Judging other’s routines makes us feel superior. Judging ourselves rips our insides apart.

Externally and internally – the judgment needs to stop.

Stop External Judgment

As an outsider, it’s easy to point out flaws in someone’s physical practice, but you don’t know what constraints or responsibilities they face. These constraints could be injury or physical limitations. These responsibilities could range from families, jobs, graduate school, you name it. These are not excuses, they determine what someone can realistically pursue.

If you’re a cyclist, you are not better than a triathlete. If you’re a CrossFitter, you’re not better than a runner. If you’re a yogi, you’re not better than a non-yogi.

By judging the “other” team, you don’t look stronger or more fit. You end up looking weak and insecure.

When we judge different forms of movement, we can end up discouraging someone from the pursuit entirely.

Putting an end to external judgment will help create an encouraging environment. It will build a space where individuals feel empowered to confidently pursue whatever fitness routine works for them.

By all means, if you love your chosen method, be a humble advocate. Telling others about your routine can encourage mass movement.

Once you’ve made your case, know when to drop it. Otherwise, your enthusiasm will come across as overbearing.

Stop Internal Judgment

Maybe you want a routine, but you haven’t quite landed on what works. Maybe your “routine” looks more like doing lunges across your carpet while vacuuming, because that’s the time you have!

By putting a stop to internal judgment, you can allow yourself to test boundaries and discover what works on a personal level.

When we stop critiquing, we give ourselves the gift of gratitude. Instead of wishing for what could be or what was, we are happy with reality. Self-deprecation becomes silenced by self-love.

When we stop comparing, jealousy ceases to exist. We can be happy for each other’s accomplishments and encourage the overall pursuit of health.

When it comes to finding a routine, we live in an amazing time where there are a ton of choices. From running to mermaid fitness, the options are seemingly limitless. If you try something and hate it, you can quickly look for something different.

There is no wrong or right way to move. What matters is that you are pursuing movement.

What matters is that you challenge yourself to push your limits – not out of self-loathing or jealousy – but out of self-care.

Do Focus on the Common Goal

Instead of getting distracted by differences, we should focus on our overarching common goal – to be healthy.

Physical movement, whatever form it comes in, provides mental and physical benefits. This is the main goal and should be our focus. We should congratulate each other on taking care of our minds and bodies.

Do Encourage

My challenge to you is to put a stop to the judgment. When you catch yourself, or others, engaging in these negative interactions, find a way to turn it around.

Is it so radical to think that triathletes, cyclists, runners, walkers, CrossFitters, housecleaning workout enthusiasts, etc. can encourage each other?

Us vs. them talk is engrained in our society. These conversations provide a sense of unqualified superiority. Turn this poisonous habit around by pointing out benefits and successes experienced by the “other” group.

Slam the door on thoughts that derail your confidence. Zoom in on your unique gifts and beauty. This isn’t narcissistic, it’s being nice to yourself.

Let’s change the external and internal dialogue from judgment to encouragement.