MY PERSONAL FITNESS JOURNEY

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I was a beginner. Exercise wasn't new to me, but I hadn't done much of it since high school sports. I would dabble in "exercise things", but always quit.  I remember the Tony Gazelle machine that sat in my apartment, Jazzercise tapes I only did for the music and the Thigh Master turned dog chew toy. I would joke my exercise consisted of walking to the bar and out to eat.  That's not far from the truth. 

I was turning 36,  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. I was tested for a number of diseases, including RA, Fibromyalgia, during those years to find out why my body hurt so badly. 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.  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 strength in my legs.  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.  My body started not to hurt and I started not feeling so old. I had more energy. I noticed a difference in how I slept and how I felt overall.  Fitness started to become 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, continued to work hard, still work hard and have stayed the course through the good, bad, and ugly days. Believe me when I say, there were some really ugly days, months, even a few ugly years. 

The one thing that stayed consistent and continues to stay consistent are my fitness habits, my workouts.  Sure, there are times life gets in the way and I take a week off, sometimes a month off, but i know how to get back because I have developed the habits and I know what working out does for me physically and mentally.  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 then being there to celebrate when it happens for 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 (body, mind & spirit) and skills I've learned and experienced through it all that have 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, beginner, feel stuck, tired of the way you feel, want to lead your best possible life, get in shape, stay in shape, feel good.and HAVE FUN working out, trying new things, UNLEASH YOURSELF, discover your potential START NOW!  You won't regret it.  Don't be afraid to be a beginner. Start developing good fitness habits now. We're going to need them as we get older! ;)  I know what it takes to start from scratch. I found a passion for fitness that has become part of who I am and can help you do the same!  Let's do it - together!