This is an odd seeming question, but it's actually something I've both seen happen to others and have experienced myself.
You plan to start a new workout plan (doesn't matter what) but your friends (who do a different workout than you) shit all over your enthusiasm because they don't like the method you are choosing, and they have NO problem in telling you so.
Feels pretty bad. Kinda like this.
I have encountered LOTS of negativity of others, especially when it comes to Tracy Anderson. I've been told not to do it by friends, I have even had my blog invaded and spammed by Crossfit enthusiasts and even been ridiculed on one of their forums. People I do not even know. Thankfully, I stayed strong and didn't let it get to me, but it wasn't easy.
The most hurtful is when it comes from your friends, family and loved ones. It's also very demotivating.
How to deal with it? Well that really depends on the person. I do my best to block it out, but that may not work for some people.
Have you ever been bashed or "talked to" for your working out/eating habits? What did you do?
EDIT: I do not mean Eating Disorders are allowed to be bashed. I meant to say when people come to someone with an ED and are concerned and give their loved one a talk, and people doing the same when you are not doing anything unsafe (but doing something they just don't like). I did have posted before about eating disorders and I did not mean any harm by it, I worded it wrong and I do apologize if I offended anyone.
EDIT: I do not mean Eating Disorders are allowed to be bashed. I meant to say when people come to someone with an ED and are concerned and give their loved one a talk, and people doing the same when you are not doing anything unsafe (but doing something they just don't like). I did have posted before about eating disorders and I did not mean any harm by it, I worded it wrong and I do apologize if I offended anyone.
I personally ignore the negativity and enjoy my workouts. Tracy Anderson definitely is a very polarizing figure. I don't follow her diet recommendations, but I most definitely like her moves and how they make me feel.
ReplyDeleteHeavy weights and kettlebells might be wonderful for some people, but at 5'3" I only managed to look like a linebacker when I was lifting heavy. Think about powerlifter pretty - definitely not what I was going for.
I usually ignore it too, and I agree- not every workout is for everyone. In my opinion people who say women can't bulk are full of it. :)
ReplyDeleteI just find it ridiculous. What is it to someone else what kind of exercise I do? The most important thing is that you move, not how you do it. And if it is something you find fun, you are more likely to keep on doing it.
ReplyDeleteI still like Tracy and I don't give a toss about what other people think, especially those who have never tried her method but still have an opinion about it. It works for me and that's all that matters to me. If something else works for you; go for it!
I get so tired of everyone being so negative and non supportive. Bottom line: do what works for you and try to stay away from the negativity.
Yeah I was getting harped on about my workouts and it did discourage me a bit (not anymore). I don't know why people think it's so important what other people do. To each their own. If you want to do Tracy, great! If you want to lift weights, great! Etc.
DeleteI just started doing the 30 day method. I'm 41, fairly short, and gain weight easily. Way back in my 20s I lost about 50 pounds and much of it was through a similar diet and lots of floor work plus cardio. It's wonderful to get back to this approach.
ReplyDeleteAs for dealing with criticism, let's face it, everyone thinks that their approach is the best. They want to be the smartest people in the room. Fitness can big a big fat vanity/ego trip too (not for everyone, but definitely for some)...well, you know where I'm going with that.
Here is the real bottom line: YOU get to decide, not them. And there's no need to justify what you're doing. Thank them for their opinion and wish them luck with their workouts, because clearly, they feel very strongly about what they're doing.
I read this the other day and I really felt for you. People will always be negative. Totally one thing to have a respectful opinion (clearly the people you are describing do not)but to just bash? Ick, go away!
ReplyDeleteI do many workouts, I believe in heavy lifting as much as I believe in DC and mat work. Tell them life isn't black and white and to either get a degree in EP or shush.