In case you didn’t get a chance to read part 1, click here.
#3 Your partner understands the struggle of dieting.
When Jeff started getting into bodybuilding, I always complained why we couldn’t go out to eat, why he must prepare his meals in certain ways, why he had to go to the gym so often. NOW I really get it. Being competition ready takes a lot of dedication and planning. For my first competition, I prepared my meals everyday and made sure my training was on point. I would even do meal planning if we decided to go out with friend over the weekend. I didn’t bring my own food to dinner with friends but I did plan out what I can have prior to dinner. I didn’t know there were so much planning to this! All that calculating your marcos and doing more cardio than usual….oy!
Your partner will keep you on point with your nutrition choice.
I have my weaknesses with my snacks and sweets. Especially during holidays, I love my Christmas cookies, eggnog, wine, cheese…..okay the list goes on forever and ever. When someone stands next to you and tells you no means no, you may have a stronger will to put that cookie down.
#4. when you are struggling, there is always someone to talk to.
Sometimes, just few words of encouragement can go long way. I must say, Jeff has always been my rock all this years. We all share our positive side with others but what about the true struggle behind the scenes. There are many time I had thoughts of giving up, delusion of progress, self-doubt, insecurity, etc. can impede the process. It is nice to have someone keep you in check with the reality of progress.
I can understand if you are alone on this fitness journey, you can easily be misunderstood or judged. Sometimes, we just want a pair of listening ears to acknowledge our struggles.
My advice to you
What if you don’t have a friend or partner to be on this journey together. It doesn’t mean it is the end of world. There are many people that find their community through fitness in many other ways, such as at gym, class, during the competition, etc.
Photo by NABBA Singapore
I have this group of awesome women from Acropolate pole dance studio , they encourage me to do better everyday. It is not about how you look or if do you have six packs abs. It is about how you are making progress everyday. Every time we go practice we are wearing nothing but sports bra and pole shorts, we all have different body shape and size, but there is no judgement or fat shaming. We are just a group of women that are trying to improve our skill everyday. To read more about my pole dancing experience, click here.
Perhaps you can be even luckier than me to find a group of awesome people to be your cheerleaders.
Don’t give up, success only goes to those who refuse to believe failure is the only option.