Ep. 30 | Muscles, Mindset, and Motherhood with Shaela Daugherty, CPT
Ep. 30 | Muscles, Mindset, and Motherhood with Shaela Daughtery, CPT
Listen on:
Apple | Spotify | Other Platforms | Watch on YouTube
How Small Steps Lead to Big Changes in Health and Fitness
The journey toward health and fitness is often viewed through the lens of monumental efforts and radical changes. However, as we dive deep into the insights shared by Shaela Daugherty on the "What the Gut" podcast, it becomes evident that the path to wellness is paved with small, consistent steps, discipline, and the courage to start, especially amidst life's busiest seasons.
The Myth of the Perfect Time
One of the most pervasive myths in our culture is the idea that we need to wait for the perfect time to pursue our health and fitness goals. Shaela challenges this notion head-on, asserting that the busiest season of our lives may actually be the best time to start. This statement might sound counterintuitive at first glance, but it's rooted in a profound understanding of human nature and the way we navigate challenges. When life is at its most demanding, incorporating exercise and healthy habits can actually empower us to handle everything else with more resilience and vigor.
Starting Small: The Foundation of Lasting Change
Shaela’s personal and professional experience sheds light on the importance of starting small. The world may celebrate grand gestures and overnight successes, but true, lasting change comes from modest beginnings and the accumulation of daily wins. Whether it's committing to doing ten squats a day or scheduling a single weekly workout without fail, these small steps are monumental in building a fitness routine that sticks.
Breaking the Cycle: From Perfectionism to Persistence
The transition from a perfectionist mindset to one of persistence and grace toward oneself is a transformative process. Shaela’s journey from feeling athletically inept to rediscovering her strength and confidence through CrossFit, and ultimately intertwining her fitness with spiritual discipline, showcases the power of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. It’s not about pushing to the point of perfection but pushing to the point of discovery and beyond.
The Holistic Approach: Beyond Physical Fitness
What makes Shaela's approach deeply resonant is her holistic view of health and fitness. It's not merely about physical workouts but about nurturing the body, mind, and spirit in unison. The incorporation of intuitive eating and gentle exercise during times of stress or health challenges emphasizes listening to the body's needs and responding with kindness and care.
Strength Training: A Key to Holistic Health
Dispelling myths around exercise, especially about cardio being the panacea for weight loss, Shaela illuminates the benefits of strength and resistance training. Not only for aesthetics but for its profound impact on health, from boosting metabolism to enhancing mental well-being. It's a powerful reminder that health and fitness are not one-size-fits-all; they are deeply personal and require individualized approaches.
Empowering the Next Generation
Perhaps one of the most impactful takeaways from Shaela’s insights is the importance of modeling healthy behaviors for the next generation. By incorporating fitness into our lives in a balanced and positive way, we teach our children the value of self-care, discipline, and finding joy in movement. It’s about creating a legacy of wellness that goes beyond the superficial and fosters a deep, lifelong appreciation for the gift of health.
Your Journey Awaits
The conversation with Shaela Daughtery is inspiring for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed by the prospect of pursuing health and fitness. It’s a gentle nudge to take that small, seemingly inconsequential step today because it's those steps that pave the way to a healthier, more vibrant life. Whether you’re a busy mom, a professional navigating high-stress environments, or anyone in between, remember: the best time to start is now, with what you have, where you are. It’s not about perfection but persistence, not about overhauling your life overnight but about making small, sustainable changes that lead to lasting transformation.
Your journey to holistic health doesn’t have to be a solo venture. Communities and resources like the “Stronger Collective” app, designed by Shaela, offer the support, guidance, and motivation needed to embark on this transformative path. Wellness is a journey best traveled with support, understanding, and a shared vision for a healthier tomorrow.
So, take that first step, embrace the small victories, and watch as they compound into profound changes. Your health and fitness journey is uniquely yours, and it’s waiting for you to begin, one small, persistent step at a time.
Connect with Allison:
Instagram: @allison_and_wellness
Connect with Shaela:
Instagram: @sdfitwell and @thestrongerco