We all know that living a healthy lifestyle is important. We all know that being fit is important. But why is it so hard to do? It doesn't have to be. You have to find what is right for you and what works for you.
I have never actually "struggled with my weight" but I have struggled with a negative body image. I don't see what you may or may not see on me. I think a lot of people, especially women, feel this way. So by no means, do I think I'm the only one. But I have had friends seriously sit down and talk with me about this type of disorder.
As I've gotten older, things aren't the same as they once were - that's a given. I remember my mom saying, nearly every year, "If I had known the body I had then, I wouldn't have been so shy about it".. That statement really resonated with me. I don't want to live a life where I'm unhappy with the way I look and then 2 years later, I think, "well I wish I would have appreciated my body more then.." However, easier said than done.
I'm 35 now, and for the past decade or so, I've done a zillion different workouts, experimented with different gyms and diets but I still always felt the same about myself. Then, I was diagnosed a few years ago with Lyme Disease. As the disease progressed, my doctors said that I had to stop working out, listing heavy things - I needed to seriously take it easy. This was a painful thing to hear for someone who has always been active since the day she was born. However, I was in so much pain that I actually listened to the doctors. I rested for months, years... I would try to work out a bit (cheat) and then I'd set myself back. So I basically stopped. Finally, I was cleared to start working out again! Phew!!!
Through that time period, I didn't necessarily gain a lot of weight but I lost a lot of definition in my muscles. I saw this one picture of myself recently, it was taken from behind and I was turned around - and I was just disgusted with my untoned arms, back and face. It really hit me. I knew I needed to do something that I would stick with and like.
Sticking with and liking a fitness routine is a challenging one. For me, I go ALL IN on something for a few months, and then I'm bored. Ha! And then I have to try to find something, which takes time and then I get bored. Also, one of my biggest issues is TIME!! Who has the time for a one hour class - or a 90 minute class (some that I've taken). Ok, sure, you can carve out an hour every other day or maybe even every day but it's not just one hour now is it? It's 15-30 minutes to get ready, 15 minutes or so to drive to the gym, park, then check in. And you have to be there 5-10 minutes early "to get a spot" - and then the class goes. Ok there's your hour there - and then you have to do it all again, this time in reverse! AND this time around, you have to shower, wash your hair, body, face - dry your hair and get ready for your day - whatever that may be. You're talking 2 hours from start to finish.
And obviously the distance from your home or office to the gym is key. At least it is for me. If it's too long of a commute, I will talk myself out of it - every. single. time. This is why I chose to try 21 Day Fix with Beachbody. I ordered the DVD's (which come with portion controlled containers and a whole meal plan) and I bought some resistance bands (you can also use weights, I just prefer the ease of travel with resistance bands) and now I work out every day in the comfort of my own home with no one judging me! I can grunt and scream and whine all I want and as loud as I want and I don't offend anyone! :) In just 11 of the 21 days, I started noticing a difference - because I was STICKING WITH IT for once!
If you're interested in learning more about Beachbody or looking for some good old fashioned motivation - feel free to email me!
I wish you all a lifetime of health and fitness!
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