HOW I GOT STARTED

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Exercise wasn't new to me when I hit my reset button, but I hadn't done much of it since high school sports. I would dabble in "exercise things" on and off through the years, but would always quit.  I remember the Tony Gazelle machine that sat in front of my apartment window and the Thigh Master turned dog chew toy.  I would joke my exercise consisted of walking to the bar and out to eat.  That wasn't far from the truth. 

I was turning 36 years old.  I was a mom of 3 under 3, deep in diapers, over weight, out of shape, felt like crap, my knees, my body, my feet, my bones hurt daily and I had had post-partum depression after one of my pregnancies that lasted awhile and something I don't like to talk about often, but I will.  I was tested for a number of diseases during those years to try and find out why my body hurt so badly all the time, including Rheumatoid Arthritis. I thought this can't be what's it's like after having kids. Is this what it feels like to get older?  I was 36.  I felt 80. Looking back, I laugh I thought I was old, but none-the-less I didn't like the way I felt, the way I looked, and had become uncomfortable in my own skin. I knew I didn't want to live the rest of my life this way. I couldn't. I wanted to be better for my kids, my family, myself.

My first comeback workout was in a park. It involved what I'm guessing were 200 meter runs that felt like marathons. I couldn't jump on anything without holding onto something for support because I didn't have the leg strength. Five and 10lb dumbbells were heavy. I did push ups on picnic tables, park benches, standing on walls and my bathroom sink after I got out of the shower. Push ups are better today but still REALLY hard!

Over the last 13 years I've lost weight, gained weight, lost fat, gained lean muscle, changed my body composition a few times, learned a ton about nutrition, and changed my overall health and entire view of fitness, nutrition and exercise.  It all became part of my lifestyle.  I am stronger and fitter than I ever thought possible. I haven't been perfect at any of it by any means over the years either.  I worked hard over the years and continue to work hard and stay the course through the good, bad, and ugly days.  

The thing that always stayed consistent and continues to stay consistent are my fitness habits, but there are times life gets in the way and I take a week off, sometimes a month off, but I know now what I need to do to get back.  I know what it takes to push through the hardest of workouts, the hardest of what life throws at you, to be knocked down and get back up.  I know the excitement you'll feel when you add 5 pounds to a lift or lose 5 pounds or push through that plateau.  There's nothing more exciting than seeing those gains and hard work pay off and being there when it happens to somebody else. 

That first workout in the park literally changed my life and I'm truly grateful for it to this day.  I've never looked back. I can honestly say I love what I do today as much as when I first started, if not more.  I think I have more of an appreciation for it now because of the habits, strength and skills I've learned through it all that shaped my life and continue to shape my life.  It has kept me not only physically fit, but mentally fit, too.  

If you are a masters women or a beginner, start strength training now.  Don't be afraid to be a beginner. Start developing good fitness habits now.  I know what it takes to start from scratch. I found a passion for fitness that has become part of my lifestyle and can help you do the same!