List of things filed under let’s deal with it after iso: topping up the Opal card, our penchant for Netflix and naps, the aftermath of a diet consisting solely of banana bread and seeded sourdough.
Sympathise with that last one? Don’t stress. As trainer Tiff Hall can attest, it’s totally normal, and expected, for our body weight to fluctuate – especially during a global pandemic.
“Reality check: Some days you just don’t fit your jeans, and that’s okay!” the 36-year-old captioned a side-by-side image of herself on IG. “As you can see in the photo on the right, I was a little bummed that I couldn’t fit comfortably into my fave pair that day (spoiler: it took ample squeezing, but we got there!”
]@tiffhall_xo
Frustrating as it is to wake up looking more blah than Beyonce, time has taught Tiff to appreciate her figure, no matter how strong or fit she feels.
“I love my body in each of these pics,” she explained. “But even as a professional trainer, my body fluctuates a little in weight, definition and shape.”
The two photos she posted were taken across a period of a month, during which the mum-of-one had eaten clean and undergone “killer training sessions” and had times where she’d let her healthy habits slide.
“I had days where I felt crippled by stress, and days where I made time to meditate,” she said. “I had sleepless nights, restless nights, and nights where I was out like a light by 9pm. I over-snacked some days, and ate only clean, portion controlled meals others.”
“What I’m trying to say is, sometimes you wake up and the mirror tells you that you’ve made progress, sometimes the muscle definition you swear was there a few days earlier has gone MIA,” she continued. “There are many contributors to this – period pain, stress, sleep deprivation, food intolerances, dehydration, hormones, big family dinners, alcohol, the list goes on!”
To nix the negative thoughts from creeping in when she can’t pin-point exactly what’s behind her absent abs, Tiff swears by two tactics:
“1/ Practice mindfulness in moments of doubt and be kind to myself. This is my ‘normal.’ 2/ Share with you as much truth as I can to show you that there is no ‘perfect’ no matter how it may appear on social media.”
@tiffhall_xo
Her parting words? “Be kind to yourself, listen to your body and don’t sweat the small stuff.”
Couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
How have you been keeping healthy and practicing self-care lately?
I have been going to the gym almost everyday which not only helps me stay in shape but also helps me mentally as I can clear my mind and destress.
I have kept up my exercising routine, but I haven’t been eating the best. Stress and boredom make me eat and I’ve had plenty of both lately!
She has a positive outlook
I try to eat well and exercise daily so I don’t gain excess weight. I really hate how my body looks and feels. Maybe I need to try harder.
Can’t relate honestly. So easy to keep healthy. Easier than unhealthy. Would never mistreat the machinery that gives me opportunity to enjoy and experience life at optimal fullness. Just going with natural instincts and doing what is (truly) right.
I like to be like this, no point beating yourself up
Balance is so important. Being kind to yourself is key to good mental and physical health.
I’ve put on a couple of kilos in the last few months 🙁 so time to start eating right.
When iso started, I resolved to out for a walk every day, if possible. Then I had to deal with something else & it’s been difficult. I’ve alternated with junk eating & not eating at all. It’s temporary, I’ll come out of this in time.
I was so super busy before covid. Being a Carer meant I was very active and I did a lot of walking from carparks into hospitals which sure adds up believe me. Now as im no longer a Carer I find im no where near as active.
My weight has been fluctuating recently. I didn’t eat bread for 10 weeks or so and as soon as I started eating it again I became bloated and my weight rose slightly.
While I was at home I was running 3 times a week but now I’m back at work and it’s dark when I get home I’m back to running once at the weekend. Being at home was definitely healthier for me.
I walk at least 5 times a week and practice yoga and meditation but when stressed I do binge eat. I have to pull my socks up and get my mental health back in check!
Tiff Hall has hit the nail on the head with fluctuating weight it can be so frustrating to be bloated somedays and great the others. Can so relate to what she has been talking about.
Walking everyday for an hour or more with my husky (who also likes to add it some runs!) keeps me on my toes and I love taking holidays where I swim for 1km everyday because my husky doesn’t come with us.
I love realistic articles like this from trainers and the like, this year is rough in so many different ways. I’ve put on some weight and am not too fussed. When I’m in a better place I’ll focus more on my eating, until then I’ll do whatever I need to to get through.
My weight gain tends to be hormonal. I was exercising a lot when I was at home not working during the start of the lockdown but am working from home at the moment and really only exercising on the weekend.
I think Tiffany Hall is the only fit person I like because she doesn’t make you feel bad about yourself
Tiff is gorgeous. I wish I could workout as much as she does & look that good. It’s good to know she is human & has her bad days too.
She is down to earth and easy to relate to.