Bodybuilding:  It’s not what you think, it’s what you believe

By Wendolynn L. Allen

 

Bodybuilding is a sport that has become increasingly popular over the past few years.  As advances in science make it possible for us to further understand nutrition and the chemical makeup of our bodies, many have begun the task of transforming themselves into finely chiseled statuesque type specimens.  Endless hours in the gym, strict no frills dieting, and selfishly scheduled daily routines are characteristics of the few “genetic elite” that have been able to succeed in such a sport.  However, as science continues to advance and our knowledge about basic nutrition grows, the scope of this sport is beginning to expand into simple recreation for enjoyment.  We are beginning to realize that “Bodybuilding is not what you think, it’s what you believe”.

 

I remember when I first embarked on this endless journey (two years ago) to be in the best shape of my life.  At the time, my measuring stick was simply to re-attain the level of fitness I had during my college days.  As the quest began, I quickly realized that I could have more and I wanted more. With each passing day, I pushed myself harder and raised the measuring stick ever so slightly until one day it dawned on me that there really was no end to where this thing could go.  After all, what was “the best shape of my life”?  The conclusion of my goal could only be found when I achieved beyond my current reality in any given moment.  My goal was unattainable. Or was it?

 

Building a better body began to gain center stage in my life, but not just on the physical side.  Total health and healing was my goal: mind, body, soul, and spirit.   I began to believe that there was always a higher step I could walk on and I decided that I would push the limits to find each step.

 

“As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).  Spiritually speaking, the spiritual heart, just as the physical heart is central to pumping blood and life throughout the body, is motivation (life) for every action.  Just considering a thing in your mind is not enough.  Your heart must be fully convinced on a matter in order for you to take action.  Building a better body is a matter of the heart.  The decision to embark on such a long and tedious yet overwhelmingly rewarding journey cannot be based on surface emotions but, instead, must be qualified by a sincere desire to tap into the full potential and talent that you possess.

 

Do you really believe that you can have more than you have right now?  If so, begin confessing what you believe in your heart to be true.  Put the words out there and make it a reality.  Begin small but think big.  Find little things that you can change almost immediately and get to work.  Then, set up a time line of goals to achieve the bigger things.  The first step is always the hardest because it is only natural to be attached to your comfort zone.  Leaving the familiar in search of something different will leave you vulnerable, but you must be convinced that you are destined to succeed.  If, in your heart, you have truly decided that what you can have is more rewarding than what you currently have then taking that initial leap of faith will not seem so difficult.  As you begin building your better body, you will notice that your perception on many things around you will change.  Your stress level will undoubtedly decrease because your attitude will have adjusted and your outlook on your future will be more positive.  Your “best body ever” (spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically) is as close as your next decision to reach beyond any place you have ever gone.

 

It is not just for the “genetic elite”.  Bodybuilding is for everyone: an unattainable goal, attainable for anyone.

 

all things are possible for them that believe

-- Mark 9:23