Whether you work out on a consistent basis, a sporadic basis or are really just at that place in life where you are telling yourself you should work out, most of us have had some experience (positive and negative) with health and fitness. Let’s face it, we all want to look and feel good, but it takes some serious commitment, dedication, and heart.
Really though, what doesn’t? My fitness journey has been full; of failures and successes, cardio, cardio, then a little more cardio, pilates (can you say BORING!), Tae-Bo (anyone remember this??), a Jillian Michaels home workout obsession (yes…I literally bought every single video she released for like 3 years), P90X, Rushfit (UFC George St. Pierre’s home workout program), and a number of other random at home videos. Eventually, I decided it was time for a change, and I got a gym membership.
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This was something I had been avoiding for a number of reasons. I mean, what is more convenient than going to your basement to get a quick workout in? The gym meant I would have to actually leave my house, not to mention having to figure out how all the fancy equipment worked; I mean, people would see me looking like I had no idea what I was doing, because I didn’t! This was WAY out of my comfort zone.
I did it anyways. Probably looked like an idiot, fumbling around with machines, but I was patient with myself and eventually discovered so many new ways to work my body and incorporate variation that I actually enjoyed. And truthfully, as a Mom with a brood of 5 PLUS day home kids, I needed the escape.
I’ve also trained and run in 2 half marathons, dabbled in some hot yoga, learned the art of functional fitness, mountain biked on some seriously sketchy trails, and dipped my toes in the world of hiking (like mountain climbing-challenge yourself-ok this is actually scary kind of hikes).
I’ve calorie counted and restricted, I’ve binged, I’ve felt guilty for eating a chocolate bar, I’ve been obsessed to the point of working out twice a day, I’ve bought into the lies of the “Lose 10lbs in 10 Days” diets, macro counted….the list is long. I’ve also learned the art of intuitive eating, knowing how to make healthy choices, and figured out how to enjoy treats but also limit them. There is so much more to write on this topic…another day!
I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment as I look back on this health and fitness journey of mine. I was the girl in school who did really well in everything except gym; I had zero confidence in my physical abilities so I accepted that as ok and didn’t bother to even try. Thankfully, I have had inspiration and encouragement along the way and have discovered a passion I never knew existed; I’ve surprised myself time and time again with what I am capable of and what I desire.
So with all that being said, expect more health and fitness related posts in the days to come. I’m excited to share my experiences and the things I’ve learned, and even my go-to workout gear!