#trainlike

Except if you have been living on another planet the last few weeks, you may have noticed your Instagram account being flooded with snaps of picture perfect models that everyday #trainlikeanangel. The Victoria Secret show took place in Paris and after month of Insta-stories at the gym, we have finally been able to see what hard work (and good genes)looks like and it was pretty impressive.

That kind of fitspo work wonders for me, I just want to start going to the gym everyday and #trainlikeanangel, but then my joints decide otherwise and I just end up days or or weeks without being able to do anything. Does it mean my body does not want me to get abs like Adrianna Lima? It probably does! but I may need to find another way than carrying 30kg weight plates to get there. We all come in different shapes and sizes but also with different level of fitness!

Challenging your body in an healthy way is a good thing but pushing yourself to reach unrealistic goal is definitely not. Every body is different and every limitations or pains should be take into consideration when exercising.

I go to the gym cause it make me feel happy and stronger. 7 years ago, I was so unfit and riddle with inflammation in my joints that some days i could barely walk. So today, I am proud I have overcome those hard times and I know how lucky l am to be able to move my body, swim, jump, carry weights because not long ago, I could not. I try to do a bit of exercise or stretch every single day to avoid stiffness and pain in my muscles and joints. I always want to do more and keep improving my exercise routine, but when i push myself too hard, my body gives me nasty reminder about my limitations. The key to progress is also to know where to stop. That i want it or not, I have to accept that some day I can't even straighten my right leg or allow myself few rest days to avoid getting a flare up.

I keep having to review my goals but I am still aiming to get stronger and having amazing abs :) except that I take my limitations into account even if it means it might take longer to get there.

So next time you are hitting the gym with unrealistic fitness goals, just follow my advice to avoid injuries and flare-up: #trainlikeyouarelistenningtoyourbody!

Your joints will be thankful for that! Embrace your illness and work with it!