Michael Gray

Michael Gray is the owner of Gray Fitness Systems in Ontario, OR and he likes to deadlift more than he likes gummy bears...which is a lot.

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

When we struggle with our "diet", we think it's because it's too difficult.

Maybe. Or maybe it's because our bodies don't want to cooperate with rigid rules, and very low calorie amounts.

Maybe the "difficulty" is your body telling you that this diet isn't healthy.

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

Letting go of beliefs about food, weight loss, and your body.
#TikTok https://t.co/Us8vHExbPr

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

If you don't give yourself room to fail, it will feel like failing is all you do.

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

"Doing it" badly is still "doing it."

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

3 of the biggest lies the diet industry will tell you:

-You have to count calories
-Losing weight will make you happier/healthier
-Sugar is toxic
-Carbs are bad
-Your weight = your worth
-The latest fad is your magic bullet

OK, I know I said 3 but it was too easy to keep going.

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

You can practice grace and kindness, and build trust and consistency.

OR

You can practice shame, punishment, and piling on the guilt.

Let's be honest, there's only one healthy option.

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

I promise that the healthiest path forward doesn't require you to get used to hunger, avoid foods you enjoy, or guilt yourself into making "good" choices.

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

Being "fit" has nothing to do with a certain weight. It means being able to do the things that are important to YOU.

For me that means:
-Minimizing aches & pains
-Being able to run & play with my kids
-Feeling strong

I can do those things at a variety of weights and sizes.

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

If you're going to make sustainable progress, you need to be willing to get comfortable with "trying again".

Trying again isn't a disruption to the process. Trying again IS the process.

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

Just because you gave up doesn't mean you didn't want it.

Just because you gave up doesn't mean it's wasn't a priority for you.

It's often not about want or willingness.

It's often about doability, sustainability, and believing you deserve healthier things.

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

You can:

-Eat too much
-Skip a workout
-Eat late at night
-Change your mind
-Not count macros

And still care about your health.

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

Goals that focus on your health, not your weight:

-Eat more fruit/veg
-Eat more protein
-Drink more water
-Get better sleep
-Manage stress
-Learn to trust self around food/cravings
-Learn to listen to your body
-Speak kindly to yourself
-Practice grace w/ yourself

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

Progress does not rely on perfection. It relys on you being willing to do things imperfectly.

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

If you've harmed your relationship with your body by shaming and punishing it, you can't improve that relationship through shame and punishment.

You HAVE to do something different.

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

Diet Culture will tell you that losing weight is a pinnacle of human achievement. It will tell you that it's so important you should be willing to sacrifice relationships, social settings, happiness, and your mental and emotional health to achieve it.

Diet Culture is a liar.

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

One the kindest things you can do for yourself is to let yourself be bad at something new.

Whether it's a habit, a skill, or a new way of thinking, you're going to have to be bad at it before you can be good at it.

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

Accomplishment feels good. And when we feel good, it's easier to accomplish things.

That's just about the best argument for starting small that I can give you.

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

What can you be consistent with?
Start there.

What are ways you enjoy moving your body?
Start there.

What are things that help relieve stress and make you happy?
Start there.

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

When deciding how you'll make habit and lifestyle changes, ask yourself "Is this kind to my body? My soul? My mind?"

If so, it might be a good place to start.

If not, it's probably not an approach or goal for you.

[Michael Gray @GrayFitness]

What's one thing you can do TODAY to improve your health?

Keep it small and actionable.

-Eat a vegetable
-Go for a 10 minute walk
-Meditate before bed

It doesn't matter what it is. What matters is doing it consistently enough that you believe you can do more of the same.