( self-love through fitness )

Playing sports directly influences our psychological well-being and our levels of personal satisfaction.

In our constant quest for wellness and health, the gym becomes a sacred space where we cultivate “self-love.”

The deep connection between exercise and romance with our own body can transform not only our physical appearance, but also our mental and emotional health.

No matter how many demands you have on your personal and professional life, it’s essential to schedule some “me time”! That’s why it’s important to learn how to establish a self-loving habit of doing exercises that satisfy and energize you.

After all, working out and staying active can do more than just pamper your body; it can also give you confidence and attitude.

Everyone expresses gratitude differently, and it’s not always easy to do it yourself. But here are some steps you can take to establish a self-love habit that’s effective and meaningful!

The fitness journey is not just physical, but also emotional. Discover how self-love can be your best ally to enjoy every step towards a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

Starting a fitness journey often begins with the desire to improve physically: lose weight, gain muscle mass, or simply feel healthier.

However, what many do not consider from the beginning is that this journey is not only physical, but also mental and emotional.

In that process, self-love becomes your best companion. It is essential to take care of yourself, accept yourself, and allow yourself to grow, not from criticism, but from compassion.

Remember, self-love is not a final destination, but a constant companion. Here are some ways you can cultivate that self-love and become your own best friend on the path to a healthier body and mind.

Going to the gym brings us numerous physical benefits that have a direct impact on our health, but the benefits of sport do not only concern our body.

Performing physical activity regularly balances our inner and outer selves, increasing our self-esteem.

Various studies confirm that women who do sport are more positive and have a better self-image than those who lead a sedentary life. In other words, sport increases our self-esteem.

And if this happens, we will win in all aspects, because self-confidence is essential to deal with the vicissitudes of life and everyday life.

“It helps you make better decisions”: Former Olympic athlete talks about the benefits of fitness

Andrey Núñez Kozlova’s fondest memories from his childhood are of being on a trampoline. From his garden, he would rise a few meters above the ground for hours and hours , until the sun set behind the Xochimilca horizon. That was his first step, as he shared in an interview, to becoming a high-performance gymnast.

“I’ve been jumping on the trampoline in my backyard all my life ,” she says wistfully.

It was while watching the 2000 Sydney Olympics on television that she realized it was an Olympic sport.

It was then that she decided she wanted to do the same. For much of her late childhood and adolescence, Núñez competed in national championships as part of the ‘Pumitas’, the gymnastics team of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM

At 18, she participated in her last National Olympics , “which was the Bicentennial Olympics in 2010,” she adds.

“We inaugurated the facilities that were used in the Pan American Games in Guadalajara.” Once she entered university, she took a much-needed break.

Physical activity, however, never stopped being part of her routine : aerial dance, X-ray and, more recently , yoga are among the list of activities that she has integrated into her lifestyle.

But how much has the fitness lifestyle contributed to her self-esteem? This is what she told us.

• Against anxiety and stress?

“Although I am not a psychologist,” the former gymnast admits, “[sport] helps a lot with stress and anxiety .”While it is true that exercising is not a foolproof recipe for finding mental health, in his experience, “ I clearly feel better exercising than not doing it .”

During his years as a high-performance athlete, Andrey faced the darker side of practicing an extreme sport.

Joint pain and other consequences to his physical development are among the ravages that years of training left on his body.

In addition to dealing with this, on more than one occasion, over-demanding himself was one of the shadows that accompanied him during his years on the trampoline.

• How to deal with uncomfortable emotions in fitness?

“ There are forms of toxic competitiveness ,” Núñez admits. Especially since during his years as a high-performance athlete, he compared himself to Olympic gymnasts and their outstanding performances. Comparing himself to the best in the world, he recalls, led to strong frustrations, and even anger.

These uncomfortable emotions are human , and are often inherent to sports that require high levels of effort. While this is true, “there are also forms of healthy competition.”

Not only that. Sports teach people to lose , to play as a team, and to challenge themselves to reach their highest potential .

There are also forms of physical activity that do not appeal to competition .

For example, Andrey has found in yoga a space where there is no physical goal to achieve.

As a more spiritual discipline, competition dissolves into an internal dialogue with oneself.

• Beyond the ego

For this reason, disciplines such as yoga are a good alternative for those who want to get into a more physically active lifestyle: “the classes are multi-level,” says the former gymnast, “ and avoid these types of comparisons that are harmful to the ego .”

In addition to this, there are many ways to remove the “rust” from the body , as described by Núñez.

Taking a leisurely swim at the gym, walking slowly in a park or doing aerobics are also alternatives to start a gentle exercise routine , Andrey recommends.

Especially since he admits that practicing an extreme sport, such as trampoline gymnastics, had unnecessary side effects for him .

“I have had a long-standing relationship with exercise,” says the former gymnast. After years of trying out various types of movement, he believes that “there are ways that are much kinder to the body,” which contribute more to people’s overall health.

“Having goals and objectives,” concludes Andrey Núñez Kozlova, “in itself leads people to make better decisions.”

• Endorphins are responsible

Endorphins have earned the title of “happiness hormones.” These pleasure neurotransmitters are responsible for giving us a feeling of well-being and reducing the pain we may feel in adverse situations.

Endorphins increase their activity considerably when we engage in high-intensity physical activity.

That is why people who regularly practice sports have high levels of endorphins that produce a greater feeling of happiness than people who do not exercise physically.

Someone who leads a sedentary lifestyle may possibly experience less pleasure or be more susceptible to mood swings than someone whose life is physically active.

A low level of endorphins can cause fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety or an imbalance in nutrition, as it can either decrease or increase appetite.

On the other hand, a high level of endorphins fills us with vitality and energy, increases our self-esteem, and even strengthens our immune system.

• And dopamine helps too

In addition to endorphins, when we exercise our body also releases dopamine. This hormone is responsible for making you experience a pleasant feeling of happiness when doing sports.

At that moment your brain establishes a relationship between physical exercise and the feeling of well-being, joy and euphoria that has occurred in your body.

This is how we begin to want to exercise regularly more and more, and with each passing day we feel better about ourselves.

Regularity influences the effect that these hormones have on our brain, because their concentration grows continuously in most areas of the brain.

That is why their effects of satisfaction and joy increase and become more constant.

• Sport always involves improvement

Playing sports is an effort that requires our energy and vitality to be able to improve ourselves every day.

Achievements and progress are always visible, to the point that every time you are aware of having evolved and improved in what you do, a force arises within you that fills you with pride and makes you feel like an elite athlete.

This way, you will not only be fitter, but you will also be more self-confident, more satisfied and happier.

In addition , going to the gym or playing sports in a group helps you to socialize and meet people, which keeps you from feeling lonely, helps you adapt to different environments, and reinforces your self-confidence.

• Ask your friends

Too often, we are our own worst critics. We set impossible standards for ourselves and sometimes we can’t help but compare ourselves to other people. But being proud of who we are is essential to practicing self-love!

There are studies showing that speaking kindly to yourself can make you more satisfied with where you are in life, but very few people prioritize that.

If you ask your friends and gym buddies what your best qualities are, they’ll probably be able to list them off with ease!

Find a support system and explain that you’re working on establishing a habit of self-love and need their help. A few encouraging words may help you shift to a more positive attitude.

Take time to repeat this mantra: “I surround myself with people who love and support me.”

• Monitor the evolution of your health

Think about how far you’ve come from your first day at the gym to today!

Being able to walk or run a little further, lift a few extra pounds, or be the best at a workout circuit are all feats worth celebrating.

So why not monitor your progress and congratulate yourself along the way?

Writing down your goals and crossing them off when you accomplish them can make you more excited to keep going.

Even though it may seem old-fashioned, just think of the jolt of good vibes you’ll feel when you’re able to cross off a big goal !

Try this mantra: “I am strong and powerful. Nothing can stop me!”

• Choose optimism

Fun fact: According to scientists, the more you choose positive and kind words to describe yourself, your health, your body, and your progress, the less anxious you are likely to be .

As you repeat positive affirmations and mantras, you may find it easier than you thought to work toward your goals and adopt healthy habits.

When trying to establish a self-love habit, you’ll often have to choose to think positively or negatively.

Maybe you were intending to go to the gym one day, but instead you ran into a last-minute deadline at work and couldn’t make it.

Don’t beat yourself up! Think of other ways you can make a positive difference in your day, such as making healthy food choices .

Try this mantra: “I am always enough.”

• Find time for yourself

Schedule time for self-care, whether it’s at the gym or enjoying a well-deserved break.

It’s important to reward yourself for all you do to take care of yourself and everyone around you.

Start your day off on the right foot with a little “me time.”

Scientists say that exercising in the morning can make you feel more optimistic and less stressed throughout the day!

Try this mantra: “Today I will love myself no matter what!”

As always, consult with a physician before beginning any exercise program.

• The Transformative Power of Exercise

Regular exercise is not only key to keeping fit, but it also triggers a series of positive changes in our body.

From burning calories to strengthening muscles, each training session is an act of “love towards our body”, shaping and improving it day by day.

The gym is not just a place to lift weights; it is also a refuge to release daily stress and tensions.

The release of endorphins during exercise not only improves our mood, but also strengthens our emotional resilience, thus building a solid foundation for “self-love.”

• Building Romance with Your Body

On our fitness journey, it’s crucial to celebrate every little accomplishment.

Whether it’s hitting a mileage record on the treadmill or lifting more weight in strength training, these achievements are milestones in our “self-love”story.

Let’s celebrate every step, reminding ourselves how far we’ve come.A balanced diet is a tangible expression of love towards our body .

By providing it with the right nutrients, we not only optimize our performance in the gym, but we also nourish our cells and tissues, thus building a stronger bond in this romance with ourselves.

• Keeping the Spark Alive

Monotony can be the enemy of self-love. Introducing variety into your workout routine not only challenges your body in new ways, but it also keeps the interest burning.

Try new classes, activities, or workouts to keep things exciting and engaged.

True love includes self-care. In the gym, this translates into giving your body the time it needs to recover.

Adequate rest not only prevents injuries, but also ensures that we are in our best physical and mental state when we return to training.

• A Lasting Romance

The gym becomes the stage where a lasting love affair with our own body blossoms.

By embracing exercise as a manifestation of “self-love,”we not only transform our physical appearance, but we also cultivate a positive and resilient mindset.

If you’re ready to embark on this journey of love and wellness, we invite you to explore more tips and strategies.

Discover how you can strengthen your connection with your body and reach new heights of physical and emotional well-being.

• Set goals from love, not pressure

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, especially when social media is filled with toned bodies and “perfect lives.”

Self-love means understanding that every body is unique and your progress is yours alone.

Instead of setting goals based on external expectations, ask yourself what you truly want and what will make you feel good about yourself.

Set goals that make you feel proud, such as improving your endurance, strengthening your muscles, or simply having more energy. These goals should motivate you, not pressure you.

• Celebrate small achievements

In fitness, results don’t come immediately. Every time you work out, you’re making a choice to take care of yourself, and that deserves to be celebrated.

Self-love involves acknowledging your progress, even when it seems small. Every rep, every mile, and every healthy meal is a step toward your well-being.

Make a list of your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.

It could be going to the gym three times this week or making a healthy choice when you went out. Celebrate every victory because every effort counts.

• Make self-care a priority

Self-care isn’t just about taking a day off, it’s about taking care of your body as a whole. Listening to your body is an act of self-love, whether it’s giving it a needed break or challenging it to go further.

Knowing when to push and when to stop is key. Include moments of self-care in your fitness routine, such as stretching, relaxing baths after training and making sure you get enough sleep. Rest is just as important as training.

• Surround yourself with positive support

Exercising with others has many benefits. Surround yourself with people who support you, motivate you to keep going, and maintain a positive attitude.

Most importantly, be your own number one fan. Self-love is also reflected in how you talk to yourself. Replace criticism with affirmations that reinforce and motivate you.

Every day when you wake up, remind yourself of a positive affirmation like, “Today I will take care of my body because I deserve it.”This can change your mindset and strengthen your resolve.

• Enjoy the process, not just the result

Self-love isn’t a goal, it’s an ongoing journey. Sometimes, we’re so focused on getting to the “result” that we forget to enjoy the process.

Working out should be a celebration of what your body can do, not a punishment for how it looks.

Try different types of workouts until you find what you really enjoy. From boxing to yoga to cycling, the important thing is that you enjoy it while taking care of yourself.

• Accept that progress is not linear

In the fitness world, there are ups and downs. There will be days when you feel like you’re making rapid progress and other days when you feel like you’re not moving. And that’s okay.

Self-love involves accepting that progress isn’t always steady and that every body has its own pace.

When you feel stuck, remember why you started this journey. Reflect on all the progress you’ve made, both physically and emotionally.

• Take care of your mind too

Your body is a reflection of how you feel internally. Just like you train your muscles, you should also train your mind.

Part of self-love is taking time to nurture your mental health, which is critical to your overall well-being.

Spend 10 minutes a day doing something that helps you mentally relax.

It could be listening to music, practicing conscious breathing, or writing in a gratitude journal. This way, you’ll be taking care of both your body and your mind.

Self-love is a must on your fitness journey. Becoming your best partner means taking care of every aspect of yourself. It’s not about perfection, but about acceptance and constant care.

• How does exercise increase your self-esteem?

Did you know that regular exercise benefits not only your body, but your mind as well? Here at skillshelf we help you discover how exercising can boost your self-esteem and improve your overall well-being.

× Happy endorphins: Exercise releases endorphins, neurotransmitters that make you feel good and increase your self-esteem.

× Personal achievements: Achieving fitness goals gives you a sense of accomplishment, strengthening your self-confidence.

× Improved body image: Exercise helps you achieve a healthier body image, which improves your self-image and self-esteem.

× Stress reduction: Taking care of your physical and mental health through exercise reduces stress and anxiety, promoting greater self-confidence.

We believe that regular exercise is very important as it is a powerful way to improve your self-esteem.

Take advantage of the physical and mental benefits of exercise to feel better about yourself and reach your full potential.

Go ahead, dress in your best attitude and let exercise take you to your best version!

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• Conclusion

In a world that often demands perfection, self-love through fitness offers a powerful reminder that your worth isn’t defined by numbers on a scale or the intensity of your workouts.

It’s about celebrating your body for its strength, resilience, and ability to carry you through life’s highs and lows.

Every bead of sweat, every stretch, and every rep is a step toward appreciating yourself—not just for how you look, but for who you are.

Fitness becomes more than a routine; it’s a journey of self-discovery and kindness.

It teaches you to show up for yourself, to push beyond limits not out of punishment but out of love.

So, embrace the small victories, be patient with your progress, and remember that each moment you invest in your well-being is an act of self-respect.

Through fitness, you’ll find not just a stronger body but a deeper, unshakable love for the person you’ve always been.