Tim Robards reveals he was "scared, skinny and weak" as a kid. Photo / Instagram
Tim Robards reveals he was "scared, skinny and weak" as a kid. Photo / Instagram
When you visit someone's Instagram profile, do you walk away feeling better or worse?
We are often bombarded by "perfect" looking models and influencers on social media which can sometimes affect how we feel about ourselves.
But Tim Robards' intentions are the opposite. The former Bachelor recently posted a toplessselfie, showing off his chiselled chest after a gym session in an effort to stop his followers feeling bad about themselves, reports news.com.au.
Robards says he usually isn't big on shirtless elevator selfies, however, in this moment he wanted to share with his nearly 200,000 followers a moment of self-reflection. Growing up in Newcastle, the reality TV star turned celebrity trainer said he struggled with confidence especially "in a footy worshipping town where blokes were blokes".
"When I looked at this pic I saw a 13-year-old shy kid who wanted to join the high school football team but was too scared, skinny and weak," Robards said in a caption alongside the post. "He made a decision that, that was not who he wanted to be. He trained his butt off for a year, early morning and late nights, educated himself on nutrition, made the team. and the training never stopped.
Back in the day: Tim is pictured with his sister and mother. Photo / Supplied
"The discipline, strength and self belief I learnt from that year stayed with me and I built on it year after year … and I truly believe it has filtered into so many other parts of my life."
Robards said he didn't want or need any comments about the photo itself, but would love to hear how people found their own strength.
"I always try to educate and inspire people through my social media and you do hear that there are a lot people who struggle with body image and sometimes I do question if I am doing the right thing for them, whether it creates an unrealistic goal. But do I do nothing? I am faced with those two things — do I try and inspire or do nothing?"
Speaking of his elevator selfie, the 35-year-old chiropractor said he had just finished a workout and felt great and strong.
"When I look at my physical body, it is a reflection of my hardwork and lifestyle, the discipline I've learned and the love I have given myself. I take time to nurture myself and look after myself and I want to help others who struggle with that to be able to do the same," he told news.com.au.
Tim and Anna Heinrich met five years ago on The Bachelor. They wed in Italy, in June this year. Photo / Instagram
"It's not so much about the way I look for me, it's every time I'd complete a workout I feel that I've achieved something — pushing myself to new limits, doing a workout I never thought I could do."
In a recent podcast also shared via Instagram, Robards explained he had learnt not to care so much about what other people thought.
"These days I am giving less f**s; it's been a nice transition. You need to love all parts of yourself before anyone else will love you," he said.
"The more we put ourselves ou there the more we can achieve anything we want."
"There's got to be an emotional reason to do something especially if it involves putting yourself through discomfort … most things that better us involve putting ourself through discomfort.
"You need to get clear on your goals, and what you want to achieve. I always set my goals around what excited and makes me tick rather than having a bunch of superficial things that boost my ego."
He said achieving goals was about mental, emotional and physical balance — a big part of the design behind his latest 10 week challenge, The Robards Method.
He says fitness is all about the mental, emotional and physical balance. Photo / Instagram
"Unlike many other programs, it's a lifestyle, as opposed to a quick fix," Robards said.
"There's a minimum of 100 weeks of progressive workouts to complete. Like in karate, it adds an element of gamification, presenting a system where you begin at level one and work your way up to level 5."
Participants are graded every four weeks to see if they have progressed enough to reach the next level. In the past three years, only two people have completed level 5.
"It's possible, you just have to put in the hardwork," Robards said.
Instead of 2 litres of water, go for a litre per 25 kg of body weight. We are all different sizes and that's a rough guide. If you find the taste of water a little dull then try adding some fruit, mint or lemon to add some flavour.
2. Sleep
Getting your beauty sleep is vital, you should be getting between seven and nine hours of sleep every night — for me eight is ideal. If you're a troubled sleeper, or find it hard to fall asleep, then try switching off all electronics at an earlier hour and try implementing a "no electrics in the bedroom" rule. Creating good sleeping habits is so important, waking up at a similar time every day is also important.
3. Eating nutrients
Counting calories and depriving yourself of food groups will end up doing you more harm than good. Eating a balanced diet, not cutting any food groups is much more realistic and maintainable and will incline you to not binge on nasty foods. Try incorporating my 7:2:1 method of eating, which means 70 per cent clean, 20 per cent sensible and 10 per cent relaxed. It's designed to create healthy habits around food, making it seem achievable.
Having a rest day and listening to your body is vital. Not only physically but mentally as in the long run it allows you to become more productive. At least once a week, try unplug from work, go for a walk, do some yoga, chuck on your favourite movie, get a massage, put your feet up and relax.
5. Get out of your comfort zone
Feeling discomfort is important in growing as a person. Your body already knows that it can handle the challenge so you have to learn to trust yourself and prove it to your brain. If you master experiencing discomfort, you'll be prepared to handle whatever situation is thrown at you in life. So, next time you're doing a 1 minute plank and you think you can hold for any longer, hold for another 30 seconds, you can do it, prove it to yourself.
