Exercise and Diet with Lipedema: The Song of Failure

What a negative word: failure. Or maybe not? I would like to shed some light on this dark topic with this post.

Last year I started playing again from nowhere. I didn't have any goals, major milestones or anything else planned for the time being, so it was easier to pull through in the beginning. My only incentive was, my average speed on the bike, at Walking or to improve in swimming for the previous time. That sounds like a goal, but that's just what I call motivation.

lipedema fashion fail vanessa reins_1

When too much ambition turns into pressure to perform

As the months went on, a kind of judgment (if not judgment) grew subliminally within me if I didn't get something better than the last time and I wondered where it was coming from. As we probably all know, this is called performance pressure. We know this not only in sports, but also in everyday life, at work, while eating, etc. - SORRY!

So there I was. Once again at the point that I am doing something, but apparently not good enough. Instead of being proud of the fact that I do this 3–5 times a week defeat inner weaker self, a feeling of "not being enough" arose. In the past, I have often done a sport for short periods of time or tried a diet again, but haven't pulled it off. Probably for this very reason, which I felt here again.

I thought it would be useless anyway. That I fail again or fall into old patterns. It was like that over and over again in previous years. Emotional issues can easily throw you off track….

But suddenly I realized that this is not about how good I am at something, but that I take the time for myself and my body. That I am important to me!

Nobody is responsible for your life.

This may sound a little harsh now, but at the end of the day it's all about what you do for yourself. Whether something is not going right now, you don't have a training partner when doing sports, you want a partner at dinner who will pull it off with you, and so on and so on: that doesn't matter. It's nice to have support, but you decide how many cookies you eat or whether you move.

To be honest, I find it difficult when you have an attitude that makes the success or beginning of something dependent on other people.

From my point of view, you cannot expect someone to be exactly on the same level as you when it comes to the topic, e.g. B. want to lose weight. Failure often happens because of wrong motivation. What do I mean by that? If the goals are too big, the dependency is tied to circumstances or the like, we quickly fall back into old patterns. I know that has always been the case with me.

This time I could leave that behind. I've seen that patience helps you move forward and that you can be successful by sticking to it. I've signed up for a triathlon and my only goal will be: to make it. Of course I'll be ambitious when I'm on the starting line there. But I do this for myself - for no one else.

And that's the point that wrote the song of success for me. Success is what you do for yourself.

You make the difference

My words are very honest, for one or the other person that may not be what he / she likes to hear. But it's all about you Fuck the bastard, stop resting on your lipedema and tackle it if you want to change something. You can do it. Start small, forget what others say and hold on to the fact that you can achieve what you set out to do. If not now then when?

The only thing you really need is your goal, good self-management, a dose of discipline and lasting motivation.

Don't put it off any longer. Give up everything except give up!


If you liked the article, Vanessa would be very happy if you could buy her a virtual cup of coffee!


vanessa reins round and sporty lipedema

Author: Vanessa Reins

Hello together! My name is Vanessa Reins: lipedema fighter, otter lover and perfectionist. Since I was diagnosed in 2014, I've been on my way to finding a new me that I can continue to shape with exercise and a good helping of self-love. It is a matter close to my heart to give you my experiences, tips or advice for your path and to motivate you to join the #antischweinehund team. You can pick up your motivation ration on my Instagram profile @rundsportlich. I am looking forward to seeing you!

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  • Dear Vanessa!
    I already follow you in the lipedema Facebook group and love reading your texts. 🙂
    You have an incredibly positive vibe, a contagious motivation, a stark fighting spirit and are so authentic and close.
    I look forward to hearing more from you.

    • Dear Lina,
      I am delighted to hear that - really from the bottom of my heart! Thank you very much for these words 🙂

      Of course, I also really enjoy giving motivation to all the lipies out there through my path.
      Above all, for me it is all about that each individual recognizes that we are not alone.

      I wish you all the best and good health for the new year,
      Vanessa

  • Hello Vanessa,
    your article is great, that's the way it is. To everyone out there: my physio laughed at me when I said: I'll get rid of lipedema again. Last year he said: hm, you can hardly see it anymore ... oh ...
    Giving up is never an option. I wish you the courage to stick with it, never give up, especially not yourselves. I send you positive thoughts and self-love
    Barbara