How do you stop getting demotivated by faster, fitter people?

[Paq]

I go to a mixed ability, circuit style exercise class. I have been going for over 2 years and I love it.

But I get really demotivated when someone who is either new or doesn't go as regularly as me is "better" at a particular exercise.

It's stupid I know, you don't "win" a circuits class but I just feel sometimes that I'm putting in loads of effort so I should be able to "beat" them

Someone give me a friendly slap please!

[Suzannewithaplan]

People vary, some just have natural physical prowess.
If you exercise (ceteris parebis)you'll always be healthier and look better than if you didn't.

Of course I know exactly what you mean though!
I don't compare myself to people who are sporty and naturally athletic, because I'm naturally unathletic, I was always last to be picked for the team at school.

Over the long run the people who doggedly keep at it, who persevere WILL come through and reap the rewards!

[Mitchy1nge]

comparison truly is the thief of joy isn't it! I know what you mean, I've had waves of 'I'm shit hot at this' always succeeded by 'oh no I'm just shit at it'

compete against yourself and only yourself

[Suzannewithaplan]

The benefits of being physically active are myriad and far reaching.
Humans cannot flourish when sedentary, just focus on that.

Think of the money that you are saving the nhs, you are a good person just for making the effort to improve and maintain your health.

Also setting a good example for others, ie that you don't need to be of olympian caliber to exercise.

[Paq]

Suzanne I know - I have very little natural ability - and I am a stumpy little thing . So beginners can come along and blow my hard-won achievements out of the water. Or, if I take a break it takes me ages to get back up to my previous level.

Mitchy I am going to steal that phrase. Although I do enjoy it when younger/thinner/males come along and can't keep up with me, so if I avoid the negative comparisons I need to avoid the positive ones as well.

I know that mental attitude / toughness is a big part of achievement in sport and can't get into the right mindset enough!

[EdithDickie]

Sounds a bit sort of kiss assy but I find getting to know them a bit helps because then you tend to find out just how much effort they have put into getting fit over the years. And then I kinda feel inspired by them rather than de-motivated.

[Paq]

Well, it is a very mutually supportive class, and we all do encourage each other. But then I get all green-eyed at my lovely friend who's back in size 6 jeans, stomach flat as a pancake 4 months after giving birth. And after a years break from serious exercise she's back in the exercise class beating me on the hill sprints and press ups

[Suzannewithaplan]

that is a bit hard to take but she sounds like an outlier, a few people are naturally strong with a good aerobic capacity, most of us have to put in a fair bit of training to get to that level and then keep it up week in week out....forever:o

C'est la vie

[Paq]

Don't I know it. I'm an outlier in the other direction

[Suzannewithaplan]

even so
keep at it
dont fall by the wayside
natural talent aint nuthin without perseverance

[MorrisZapp]

I love the competitive nature of gym classes, it drives me to work ten times harder. As long as you're busting a gut, red in the face and sweating like a madwoman you won't go wrong.