UNSUPPORTIVE FRIENDS AND THE STRUGGLES OF PREP!

This week the ADO Fitness trainers are addressing how their lives have been negatively impacted by fitness, to spread some light on issues not everyone speaks about Coach Joey shares her story.

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When I first started working out and eating healthy I most definitely was not as intense as I am currently. In the beginning many people were supportive and really didn’t think much about it. As I became more knowledgable about different foods and exercises I became more invested in it then when I started. This was when I noticed my friends and even family becoming less and less supportive. I would have to say this is the hardest part of being in this industry and living this lifestyle. When you absolutely love something so much and want to do nothing but that it becomes very hard to understand why your loved ones just don’t “get it.” You will see yourself not invited to some gathering or parties because automatically people assume you won’t eat the food or that you will judge them for eating it or drinking alcohol. When in reality I could care less what others are eating or drinking. Everyone needs to do what makes them happy. To me it is all about the time being spent with one another, not the food or drinks being consumed. I have gone to gatherings and have many people make comments like “oh you won’t eat that or you can’t have that.” Many people don’t realize it is not the fact if i can have it or not it is because I simply do not want it. I have chose a lifestyle that entails me of eating things that others may not enjoy. I never make comments to others about their foods which is why I think that this is one thing that really does get to me at times.

Now when I decided to compete and start my first prep this all became even harder then just the regular day to day stuff of just eating healthy and exercising. My circle of friends has became very small. This can be tough sometimes because lets face it, it can get lonely. People around me really didn’t see the point of me putting my time and money into a hobby that is expensive and time consuming. Then you win a trophy and you get no money back, that was always the response. Although how many people play golf, hunt, etc that all cost a lot of money to do.

This prep I am currently in has been the hardest I have ever had in my life so far.I had 8 weeks of staying at a weight that was just very uncomfortable for me. I realized I can’t eat dairy or many vegetables because they are bloating me.This all does become annoying. I can’t just eat whatever I want now. I’m used to having the flexibility with IIFYM and now I have to be more cautious with food choices which can get frustrating at times. Like everyone else, I do crave unhealthy foods at times and do not want just lay in bed all day doing nothing. But I know deep down I won’t reach my goals unless I push myself. I am lucky i have a great team behind me telling me to not give up because as well all stress “trust the process”, it really does work. I did just that and eventually my body responded and I’m almost ready to compete in my first show for the season. But I will say many times I questioned the process myself even though I preach it daily. It becomes very difficult to see yourself putting in SO much hard work, eating every macro to the T and doing EVERYTHING you are supposed to with seeing no changes. In due time my hard work paid off. Another issue for me this prep has been sleeping. I never truly get great sleep but this time it is much worse. I am typically averaging 4 hours a night. Sleep is extremely crucial for health and when you’re in prep it is a MUST. I have incorporated hot tea, baths, and ZMAs for sleep. Sometimes these things work but sometimes they don’t. No prep will ever be the same which is why I have to be prepared to just work hard no matter what.

Now most people will probably ask “Why do this when you have these kind of issues ?” The answer is because I love it! I may have my downs with being in the fitness industry and with prep but I am positive that all of my ups outweigh my downs. I literally eat, breath and live this lifestyle and do not regret it for a minute. I have my “real” friends who will stand by my side no matter what. I still have some family members who don’t really get it but they know I’m not going to change and I know they won’t either, which is totally OK! I always stay true to myself and remember that no matter what I want to accomplish it will require me to make sacrifices of some sort.

In the end we all have to do what makes up happy and excites us to wake up everyday. Living this lifestyle, being a bikini competitor and being in this industry do nothing but make me excited to wake up daily and that is all that matters.

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