Build self-esteem and attitude too

Who do you wanna look like?

They're on the magazines or the web, on your mind, or just on your mirror - what's better?

By ChulucanasGym

When you begin to train into a discipline, as bodybuilding or fitness to have an example, is unavoidable we look for a reflex or a referent turning in our sport achievement's goal.

"I'd look like..." is an usual answer among rookies, who usually become researching the life of those referents in many cases, as much as they turn that wish for real.

Is this a possitive attitude? It depends, so let's analyse the three possible scenarios about referents: models, archetypes or self-lovers.

The models, by definition, are all referents who became to achieve as much as their names and images are strongly linked and placed into the discipline we practice. Many times, they are part of a fashion vogue, so the model who was the masses idolatry 40 years ago probably has been replaced by a another one as each decade or each time range has passed on.

The possitive: As assummed as a mentor, someone which good example is good to imitate in other words.
The negative: Believing that everything working for that one will work for me too, when the first we have to have in mind is any organism is similar to another one, even having a strong genetic influence.

The archetypes are the possitive ideas we have about someone or something, adding a set of specific or very specific characteristics about we consider as perfect. They don't ask about a brand necessarily but our own aknowledgement and what is reflected in designing our own idealization.  Said another way, it's like having a model with a body but without a face in special, a name in particular neither.  It's not a "I'd like to be..." but "I want to be...". In some cases, archetypers could look like some Dr. Frankenstein taking an arm here, a leg there, a torso beyond,  so conceiving the human body as a set of exchangeable pieces in extreme.

The possitive: There's not an obsession to follow someone punctual but it becomes an addition of everything for creating someone quite different, inexistent, but turning into our best goal.
The negative: our archetype exceeding so much our expectations that turns into an unreachable obsession as much as it creates a guilt or frustration feeling.

The self-lovers don't see anybody else, think of an ideal neither, only go ahead as much as they can  and their actual achievement is their partial or final goal, indeed. It's hard to assure if this is  a symptom of much vanity, much self-esteem, or a rare hybrid of both, but they are not paying attention  about anyone nor anything as a referent.  They are their own model and archetype as well.

The possitive: It's possible they're more realistic when setting a goal not falling into the obsessive compulsion of being like somebody else.
The negative: They could fall easily into conformism as much as they don't set goals neither, only training for what comes on.

The advice for trainers and trainees is having the time to talk personally about their each one's sport tasks. The trainer must be much careful about not creating a profile who gets easily obsessed, frustrated, guilty or comformist. The trainee has to have in mind that training  must have two aspects: discipline and amusement. If your sport activity is another  cause of stress, then it is not becoming a healthy lifestyle.

Learning about myself knowing what my advantages and limitations are, knowing  to work them in my favor could be the starting point for everything. Then, choosing a model, designing an archetype or being a self-lover will be a very personal decision based upon reason instead of emotion.

Bullying – how to be part of the solution

Millions of people are victims everyday worldwide because the simple matter of being who they are, not looking like the predominant social standard.

 

 

May the gyms or training fields be other places where the stalkers can find new victims, or insist with who are already?  The answer is yes – it’s going to depend on you, trainer, this stops or corrects.

 

The bullying consists in, during a lapse of time, stalking somebody purposed to injure the self-esteem, or forcing to segregate out from a bunch of people. The agressions can be physical, psychological, verbal, sexual, social, an even laboral (mobbing).

 

The reason why you must not allow the bullying in your gym or training field is as simple as the attendants go to learn, perfect by contending themselves. So, if you detect the competitive spirit opens a chance to the aggression to the contender, you must stop the situation immediately.

 

The ideal would be your place has a clear written regardin rule (for example: bullyin is not allowed here). But the truth is that, whether a rule or not, the stalkers ever will look for the way to injure. That’s why we give you here some urgent ideas you can apply while the parties look for specialized professional advisory for healing that situation.

 

 

As a trainer:

• Have clear your behavior rules: They must be based upon the respect, they must be shown with right facts. If your pupils see you stalk, although you reprimend them, they’ll understand they have an understood permission to stalk.
• Choose carefully the ways you are going to encourage your pupil: It’s not the best idea comparing to other ones, or, if he doesn’t do the routines with the intensity you expect, the better would be asking why his performance is not the wished before disqualifying him.
• Don’t do a party with the stalkers neither the victim: More than neutral, remind them you are the leader in the room or at the field, so if they are not capable to respect themselves, they respect on you at least. You don’t have to scream it but to say it straight.
• Don’t ignore the aggression, don’t encourage it neither: Make the gym or the training field to be a kind place for everyone. But neither act like nothing happens because the indifference, in this case, is more dangerous than any kind of action due to it can get like agreement or complicity.

 

 

Against the stalker(s):

• Once you have identified who stalk, talk one by one and in private. Your message has to be clear and straight – at least inside the gym or the training field, that behavior is not allowed.
• If the Stalker(s) relapse(s), call the attention in public. The message and the tone must be exactly the same. If you can add you are not going to tolerate it once again, that could work.
• If both previous rules don’t work and your gym or training field has a written anti-bullying policy, apply the top penalty.
• Never let the stalkers join you into their party. Usually, who stalk empower when they make the victim to believe it’s not about their bunch but there are much more people beside them. When you say them you are not part of the aggression, this begins to weaken.
• If the Stalker(s) is (are) under legal age, contact the parents or tutors and explain the situation as well as your position about.
• Don’t add exhausting training routines as a punishment. The true penalty for the stalker(s) is not doing two additional sets or staying 30 minutes more but to have restricted access to the place or services you offer.
• It’s probable the stalkers cancel their membership or fee. Don’t see it like a lose – see it like an affirmative action which looks for protecting the positive experience of working out at the gym or the training field.

 

 

With the victim:

• Talk in private, let clear he must take action to block the aggressions in an assertive way, and that you don’t see any reason for he to ashame, feel fear or guilt.
• If he needs to talk to you, give the proper space and time. Remember you are the leader at the gym or training field. So, if you’re not trustworthy, who more he could vent with what he feels? Check out this guide if you need more orientation.
• It’s not enough to say “you gotta be strong”. It’s necessary to give effective, smart ideas to accomplish it. If you own the proper psychological or pedagogic resources, offer them. If not, refer the victim to specialized professional advisory – the most is free.
• Regarding the previous, never advise to respond the aggression with a larger aggression – the violence only borns more violence, and you’ll get more bruised in the end.
• Don’t revictimize – don’t expose the victim to a new aggression, in other words. Don’t overprotect, neither.
• Use the training to provide confidence and courage. But that doesn’t mean exhausting but teaching to feel proud of the achievements, understanding they all were reached based upon the own effort. It’s a very practical way to go educating on self- esteem.
• If we have recommended you not to be part of the stalking party, neither join a party with the victim. Keep in the middle but open to ssolve the conflicts breaking out between both parties.
• And don’t forget if the victim is under legal age, contact the parents or tutors to coordinate a supporting circle providing tools and resources to overcome the aggression episodes.
• If the victim decides to cancel his fee or membership, give the time and the space. Probably, he needs it to think better about the issue. Indeed, let clear the doors are ever open.

 

If you need more orientation, write us on our Twitter account or our e-mail: chulucanasgym@gmail.com

  

The Importance of Celebrating Achievements Over Time for a Bodybuilder

In the world of bodybuilding, every stage of physical transformation represents a challenge that demands dedication, discipline, and patience. From long hours in the gym to careful nutrition planning, bodybuilders put in a tremendous amount of effort to sculpt their bodies.

 

However, amid this focus on continuous progress, a fundamental aspect of the journey is often overlooked: celebrating achievements along the way.

 

Acknowledging Progress

Bodybuilding isn’t just about the final goal; it’s a journey made up of small victories. Every increase in strength, every visible change in musculature, and every improvement in technique are accomplishments that deserve recognition. Celebrating these milestones is a way to stay motivated and remember that success doesn’t happen overnight but through consistency.

 

Acknowledging personal progress also helps maintain a positive mindset. In a sport as competitive and demanding as bodybuilding, it’s easy to fall into the trap of excessive self-criticism. Valuing the achievements made strengthens self-esteem and provides a more balanced perspective on physical development.

 

Reinforcing Motivation

Motivation is a key factor in the success of any bodybuilder, and celebrating achievements, both big and small, can be a powerful motivational booster. When a goal is celebrated, the brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This release not only generates a feeling of satisfaction but also encourages continued work toward the next goal.

 

Moreover, these celebrations foster a mindset of continuous progress, where each achievement opens the door to new possibilities and challenges. This helps maintain long-term energy and enthusiasm, essential factors in a sport where perseverance is key.

 

Setting New Goals

Each celebration of an achievement is also an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far and to set new goals. A bodybuilder who takes time to celebrate their achievements is also better prepared to define the next steps in their evolution. This process of reflection and planning is crucial for sustained growth in the sport, allowing each victory to become the foundation for future success.

 

Creating a Healthy Balance

Bodybuilding, like any other high-performance sport, can be mentally and physically demanding. The pressure to constantly improve can create stress, which could affect both mental health and physical performance. Celebrating achievements helps maintain a healthy balance between the ambition to reach new goals and the need to enjoy the present.

 

Taking time to celebrate doesn’t mean stopping progress but rather acknowledging the effort made and enjoying the journey. This balance between hard work and reward is crucial to avoiding burnout and maintaining a positive attitude over time.

 

In summary, celebrating achievements over time is an essential part of a bodybuilder’s journey. It not only reinforces motivation and helps maintain a positive mindset but also provides the necessary balance for sustainable development. By valuing every milestone reached, bodybuilders can keep their momentum, enjoy their accomplishments, and continue moving toward their goals with greater enthusiasm and determination.

 

The model for this entry is José Escobar. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram. | Follow us on X | WhatsApp | chulucanasgym@gmail.com

  

The muscles of the hunter

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