There was a time when I freaked out after gaining some weight. I wasn’t actually getting fat; I just wasn’t used to having any shape after spending most of my life being skinny. However, with the support and convincing from my family and close friends, I was finally able to accept my body and what it looks like now. I want to keep it this way but having a body that I’m satisfied with doesn’t mean I can just sit back and relax. Anything in life requires care and attention to maintain, and my body is no exception. That’s why today I want to share with you some tips and ideas on how I keep my body in shape that may be suitable for you to follow.
Routine workout.
If you’re lazy, trust me, I’m just as lazy as you. That’s why I do things on my own terms and in a fun way, as long as I’m doing something active every day. For example, I enjoy running, but on days when I’m not feeling up to it, I’ll take a walk and set a step goal for myself before heading back home.
And then, at home, while watching TV, I like to do shoulder and back workouts that only require my hands to move.
Every time I go to the toilet, I make it a habit to do 20 squats. So, if I go 5 times, that means I do 100 squats a day.
Additionally, I randomly like to do lunges, crunches, planks, and push-ups.
When I want something relaxing and I’m in the mood, I take 15–20 minutes to do yoga.
And sometimes, when I watch music videos (which is often), I’ll just follow the dance moves and have fun dancing around at home. Nobody’s watching, so why not?
So, yeah, find what works for you and make it fun.
Regularly Wear a Shape Trainer or Corset.
I’m a big fan of wearing a shapewear trainer or corset. In fact, I’m obsessed with it. I wear a shape trainer for at least 8 hours every day, rubbing hot ointment all around my belly, waist, and thighs before putting it on. If I don’t wear it during the day, I wear it while sleeping.
I’m using this hot ointment for my body: Lotion Mustajab (Extra hot).
Regarding the shape trainer, I use it in a two-step process. First, I wear the shape trainer around my waist. Then, I put on pants that are designed for hip lifting to further enhance the results. Specifically, I use High waist hip lifting abdomen shrinking yoga sports shorts that are really comfortable to wear. The elastic fabric is breathable, making it ideal for workouts. If you plan on purchasing a shape trainer, be sure you get one size smaller. Let’s say you normally wear an M, pick an S size.
Note: It’s important to keep in mind that regularly wearing a shape trainer or corset is a personal choice and not necessarily a recommended method for everyone. While it has worked well for me and given me the best outcome, it may not be suitable or healthy for others.
Apply firming cream to the bust area.
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but please use bust firming cream, especially if you want to keep your bust in good shape. Apart from the workout, these creams are formulated to help tighten and lift the skin, resulting in a more toned and youthful look. When applying the cream, make sure to massage it gently into the skin using circular motions, focusing on the areas where you want to see the most improvement. Consistent use of a firming cream can help you achieve firmer and more defined curves over time.
Oh, and another thing: don’t just let your bust hang out when you’re at home! I know it’s tempting to ditch the bra and let them roam free, but that can really mess up the shape over time. Instead, opt for a comfy bra without wires to keep everything in place without putting too much pressure on your bust.
If you’re afraid of using the cream because you’re overthinking that the cream might give you cancer, let me tell you this: what you eat is more likely to cause cancer than the cream you apply topically. So, don’t worry too much and use the cream.
These two firming creams are my favorites:
Being Mindful With What You Eat.
At one point, I completely stopped eating fast food, but it wasn’t easy to maintain. After a few months, my cravings got the best of me, and I started eating it again. However, now I try to minimize it to once a month. I also limit my consumption of processed foods. While I love chicken nuggets and french fries, I control my intake.
Recently, I learned to be a vegan for a week, and I’ve started incorporating it into my meals. Although I’m not fully vegan, I stick to the diet for 3–4 days a week.
Aside from that, I eat a lot of salads and fruit too. My favorite fruits are oranges and pineapples, but I avoid fruit juice because it contains more sugar than actual fruits. I also keep my sugar intake low. A kilogram of sugar at home can last me more than a year because I don’t use it much. For cooking, I substitute white sugar with brown sugar. If I’m craving something sweet, I opt for fruits instead. However, that doesn’t mean I deprive myself of treats completely. I’m a big fan of donuts and cheesecake, so I do treat myself once in a while.
Learn To Love Your Body.
It’s no secret that we live in a society that places a lot of emphasis on physical appearance. The pressure to look a certain way can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly comparing ourselves to others.
But the truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to body types. We all have different shapes and sizes, and that’s what makes us unique. Instead of trying to fit into a mold that society has created, it’s important to learn to love and accept our bodies just the way they are.
This is easier said than done, of course. Personally, I used to hate my body. I felt like my butt was too big, but my belly wasn’t flat enough. Even now, I struggle with these thoughts. The truth is, our bodies won’t ever be 100% perfect. We just need to learn to love our bodies the way they are. However, it takes time and effort to change the way we think and feel about ourselves.
Strive to keep your body in shape but at the same time learn to embrace and love whatever shape you have.
X, Hani. ❤