This is a post I wrote last August and wanted to share it with you again. I am happy to say that I still have my gym membership and I am still working towards my health and fitness goals as I continue this lifestyle of eating clean and exercising regularly. Be encouraged today, and don't give up on your plans to become a healthier and better you. I have made mistakes along the way, I have eaten pizza when I wasn't "supposed to", and I have missed going to the gym for days at a time for whatever reason. But I have not given up.
Whatever it is, you are trying to pursue...
DON'T GIVE UP!
Press through the tough moments and get up when you fail.
No one ever achieved anything great without failing at least once.
Fitness Finess or Stress
My experiences in fitness or even P.E. class as a kid are not my most cherished moments.
In fact, I fight off memories of face planting during track/hurdle tryouts in middle school only to be looked down upon by my teachers and peers because my coordination was less than par. I still battle that feeling of just wanting to stay on the bench for fear I may trip over my feet. But those fears have been overcome. This week marks the very first week I've felt at home in the gym after 3 months of going 2-3 times per week.
Put me up in front of hundreds of people and tell me to sing a song or lead praise and worship...that's easy, but walking into a gym full of fit people walking around with their fitness agendas crippled me with fear.
The first day I went to the gym by myself, I sat in the truck talking myself into getting out and going in; And for some reason picturing everyone in their underwear didn't calm my nerves going into the gym as it does before I walk out on stage. These people had muscles and strength, and they probably looked great in their skivvies! I didn't belong in there.
After pushing past the fear of what others thought of my lack of fitness finesse, I have reached a place of comfort in the gym. The biggest help for me was purchasing an outfit that made me feel confident. As a mom, I wanted to look flattering. All I know is I feel better in my yoga pants than I did wearing baggy pajama/workout pants. In fact, they're so comfy I don't want to take them off!
Ok. "So, why are you rambling on and on about this?", you ask.
Well, I want to share with you where I started and I don't want to forget where I came from.
I can now walk into the weight room with lots of people and confidently pick up my weights and begin my routines and complete them, leaving the gym atmosphere feeling the progress and a new found confidence in the stronger woman I am becoming.
FOR MOMS
I want to encourage all women, especially mothers with the postpartum blues, a post-baby body, and a seemingly impossible lifestyle to entertain fitness...to get moving with confidence. I had three cesarean sections and scar tissue was a real issue, and a literal "pain." But being active has brought me a lot of healing. There are some scary diagnosis in my family history and I want to give my genes a run for their money!
AT HOME vs. THE GYM
At home workouts are good. But the gym is the best for motivation and to help you change up your routines and target the muscles in different ways, causing them to be strengthened all the way around.
I have done at home workouts, but I get bored easy. I like the opportunity to leave the house and do something for me. I'm making friends up there and I am taking my friends with me. It's a win-win!
Take steps ladies...even if its just one.
Progress. Move into the best you that you can be. You have every reason to live and LIVE WELL.
We don't have to suffer and be unhappy even though we feel every ounce is poured into someone else (our kids, our husbands, our family, etc).
You are worth the investment, and you have the choice. You can fight depressing thoughts with an active lifestyle. I have had a strong history of depression over the past 5 years (partly postpartum and partly because I recently lost my mom), and this new lifestyle has shot me out of it and into a life of freedom as I lean on Jesus Christ for strength to keep up the pace.
So turn your can't into cans, and your dreams into plans. The Lord loves you. He formed you. You are royalty. You are His, and He is your strength and your confidence.
"My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves. (1 John 3:18-20 MSG)"
Photo: Just a favorite from Pinterest.
Artist: Unknown
I love my gym time too. I find it to be very positive 'me time' as a mom.
ReplyDelete