Pilates

You may have groaned when you read the word fitness in the title. Sometimes that word inspires me and draws me in and I want to learn more. Some days it’s in my face and I want to shun the word and the motion altogether. I’m turning over a new health leaf though and instead of grumbling about how I’m aging or how I wish this or that was more fit, I’m actually going to DO something about it. We’ve been gym members for a couple of years and it’s just hard to get there. We are busy people just as we live in a busy society. But I’m learning to put me first once in awhile, even though it flies in the face of what comes naturally. What feels natural is to put others (my family) first. But taking care of me is a good thing and it allows me to be strong, healthy and able for others.

I’ve sorely slacked at getting to the gym lately. I went great guns when we joined our new, closer-to-home gym a few months ago. I planned to squeeze benefits out of every last dollar of that monthly membership. And for awhile, I did just that. But, as it always does, life got busy. I got writing more, doing more, and spending more and more time taking care of everyone else.  The excuses not to go to the gym get increasingly craftier the colder and snowier it gets.  I’m here to inspire you, dear reader, to exercise–whatever that looks like to you personally–and to inspire myself in the process.

Going to the gym does not have to be a frightening prospect. It may look intimidating at first blush, but I assure you that there are folks of all sizes, shapes, ages, and abilities at every gym. I also assure you that you’re capable of far more than you think you are. I almost always crap out much sooner than I should. I’ve learned that when it feels like I’m spent, to push myself a little further. It feels amazing when I push and my body accommodates. That just encourages me to do more and to keep coming back.

January 1st is when most people resolve to get fit and that’s when most gym memberships and exercise equipment are purchased. And then a few short weeks later, fitness and those lofty resolutions lose their luster. Don’t let that be you. Start now…before all that holiday food is displayed on your dining room table, at cookie exchanges, and holiday parties. Change your way of eating and your fitness goals now so you don’t have that overindulging guilt from eating far more than you wanted and definitely more than you needed.

Don’t be mistaken, enjoy yourself this holiday season. Heck, enjoy yourself every holiday season.  Please do!  But when you’re excising at home or in a gym, you will be much more inclined not to overeat or eat the wrong things because you don’t want to just “zero out” that hard work. You want that sweat (and sometimes tears, let’s be real!) to really count for something. If you keep at it, even two or three days a week, you will see results and when you do…oh, baby, it feels amazing.

You don’t have to run out and buy expensive weights or even join a gym. Set up a fitness plan that will actually work for you. Run or walk. They’re both free!  You can make a small investment in some dumbbells, a yoga mat ($5 at Five Below!), and get online and find some great videos that will work at your pace and fitness level. Getting started is a big deal, so do it! You will be glad you did. If you need an exercise partner, pick me! I’d love to partner up and encourage each other on. It’s much more inspiring when you have someone keeping you accountable and sharing in your triumphs!  You’re already fabulous, now go get fit and do some good stuff for your mind and body.