Hey there. Let’s walk you through the Your Level Fitness (YLF) Philosophy. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by diet trends or lost in the sea of “shoulds” in the health world, this is for you. We’re going to dive into the “inside-out” approach.
This approach isn’t about quick fixes or following someone else’s rules, it’s about creating a system rooted in your preferences and self-awareness to build a lasting, active lifestyle.
Start with What You Love
The journey toward a forever active lifestyle begins with your preferences. When we’re talking about eating or exercise, the focus should always be on what you genuinely enjoy and what you’re willing and able to do. When your choices reflect what you love, consistency comes naturally. And consistency, as we know, is what brings results.
Most of us weren’t taught how to do this. We’re bombarded by “best practices” handed down from various sources, each claiming to be the “right” way. But the truth is, the right way is the one that you can stick with, and it’s almost always the one that aligns with who you are.
Beyond Logic: The Role of Emotion
One of the biggest hurdles people face is the disconnect between what they think they “should” do and what they genuinely feel compelled to follow through on. This emotional barrier can be a significant roadblock. Many fitness programs push us to ignore our feelings, but in reality, embracing them and understanding their role can be the key to lasting change.
The inside-out approach starts by connecting with yourself and honoring your emotions. This connection allows you to make choices that feel natural, not forced, and keeps you on a path that’s sustainable for the long haul.
Building Consistency with Six Daily Actions
At Your Level Fitness, everything comes back to six minimum daily actions. These aren’t rules but a structure that supports a positive relationship with yourself. These are the actions that I encourage you to practice:
Positive Self-Statements: Spend one minute each day standing in front of the mirror, picking out the good in yourself and saying it out loud. This small habit can drastically shift how you see yourself over time.
Time Outdoors: Sit outside for at least five minutes, without distractions. This simple act can ground you, help you connect with your thoughts, and give you a break from the rush of daily life.
Journaling: Write down your thoughts for five minutes each day. It doesn’t matter if it’s messy or unfocused—just get your feelings on paper and see where it takes you.
Creative Pursuits: Find something that allows you to express yourself for five minutes each day. Creativity expands your perspective and helps you reconnect with who you are beyond fitness goals.
Thirty Minutes of Activity: Break this up however you like, but aim for thirty minutes of movement each day. It doesn’t have to be intense, just something that gets your body moving in a way you enjoy.
Addition Nutrition: Add a serving of produce or water to one meal daily. This isn’t about restriction; it’s about enhancing what you’re already doing to support your body.
By focusing on these actions, you’re building a lifestyle that’s rooted in self-compassion, consistency, and growth. It’s simple, actionable, and sustainable.
Measuring Progress: Going Beyond the Scale
Tracking progress isn’t just about the scale. When you weigh yourself, I also encourage you to take progress photos and a single measurement (usually your waist). This approach gives a broader view of your progress and can keep you motivated beyond the number on the scale.
Resilience, Consistency, and Confidence: Always & Forever
There are three qualities I know you have: resilience, consistency, and confidence. You’ve already shown resilience by simply being here, no matter the challenges you’ve faced. You’re consistent in various areas of life, and that can extend to fitness. And confidence? That’s a choice. Every day, you have the opportunity to decide to believe in yourself, to trust that you’re capable of achieving what you set out to do.
Fitness as a Springboard for Life
When you approach fitness with an inside-out mindset, it becomes a model for other areas of life. Consistency, self-respect, and deliberate action in fitness can expand into relationships, work, and self-growth. Fitness is just one piece of the puzzle, but when you connect it with who you are, it can inspire positive changes everywhere else.
Embracing Who You Are
So many of us carry labels that don’t serve us. Maybe it’s “not athletic” or “struggling with weight.” These are just labels; they don’t define you. I want you to choose how you see yourself and embrace who you are as you are, right now. You’re on a lifelong journey, and health and fitness are just a part of it.
It’s All About Your Journey
The fitness industry can often make us feel inadequate, but if you take this inside-out approach, you’ll be building confidence, connecting with yourself, and focusing on actions that reinforce a positive self-image. That’s the YLF philosophy in a nutshell. This journey is all about you—your choices, your growth, your progress. And it’s a journey worth taking.
If you want to go a deeper into the philosophy, sign up for The YLF30 Email.