We are more alike than you think we are....

Are Your Health and Fitness Journey Like a Dog's? Let’s Talk Environment and Choices
By
Theresa Straight
February 24, 2025
We are more alike than you think we are....

Theresa Straight

   •    

February 24, 2025

When we think about health and fitness, we often get caught up in the labels.

We hear phrases like “I’m not built to lose weight” or “I can’t get stronger.” It’s a bit like when a dog is stereotyped based on their breed, right? Let’s dive into this analogy.

If a dog is deemed "aggressive" because of its breed, would you just accept that label and write them off, or would you consider the environment that dog grew up in? The way a dog is treated, trained, and loved plays a huge role in shaping their behavior and temperament.

Sure, a dog's genetics can influence certain traits, but it’s the environment—how they're raised, how they're treated, and the experiences they encounter—that truly forms their personality.

Now, apply that thinking to yourself. When it comes to your health and fitness journey, do you fall into the trap of believing that your past or genetics define your outcome? Do you say, “I can’t lose weight because my family is overweight” or “I’ve always been this way, so I’ll never change”?

Here’s the thing: just like a dog’s temperament can be influenced by its environment, your health and fitness journey is shaped by the choices you make, the mindset you adopt, and the environment you create for yourself. If you think of your body as a reflection of the love and care you’ve given it, then the way you treat yourself—through diet, exercise, rest, and self-talk—has the power to change your results.

Let’s talk about weight loss. It’s easy to think that the world or your past history is the reason you can’t lose weight. But just like a dog’s behavior isn’t entirely about the breed they were born into, your current body and fitness state isn’t all about your past either. It’s about what you do with your present. Are you making healthy choices? Are you showing up for your body with the same love and dedication that you would for a dog in need of guidance and structure?

Imagine your journey like a dog being trained: you’re not stuck with any one outcome unless you choose to stop training. It’s never too late to change your habits, your mindset, and your environment. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, build strength, or simply live a healthier lifestyle, the path forward is all about the choices you make today. Are you ready to make them? Or will you let your environment or past define your journey?

Just like with a dog, with the right environment, consistency, and care, you have the ability to transform. The power to change is always in your hands.

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