(In addition to my weekly BlogHer post for singles, starting today I’ll be writing a bi-weekly post about fitness. You can find it cross-posted at BlogHer.)
What causes a person who’s never worked out on a consistent basis to become interested in fitness?
For me, it all started about six months ago. Last summer I went from wanting to be more active, and thinking that I should be doing something, to actually doing it.
What happened was, after too many years of putting way too much time and energy into retaining a certain number on the scale, I decided I was going to start focusing on how I felt. Instead of being skinny and weak, I wanted to be stronger. I was tired of joking about my almost nonexistent cardio endurance, and my serious lack of upper-body strength. I’d never lifted weights regularly in my life (other than a few halfhearted attempts at dumbbell curls using a 5-lb weight).
So why am I interested in fitness? And how do I continue to stay motivated?
Confidence: Even though I’ve actually gained a few pounds since I started working out (it was weight that I needed to gain), I feel more comfortable wearing close-fitting shirts than I did when I weighed less — there are muscles there now, holding my stomach in. Even though I can’t fit into most of my old pants anymore, it’s okay — it means my butt is no longer flat and saggy (I’m just going to tell it like it is, okay?). When I walk up a steep hill, I can feel the muscles in my legs working to give me momentum. I like being able to see how far I’ve progressed, and how much easier it is for me to do certain exercises than when I first started.
Results: If you keep at it, you will see them. Certain people are going to see results faster than others, which is why some people tend to give up too soon. Maybe it can seems like too much trouble; you have so far to go, you feel tired and defeated before you even start. Keep going.
Energy: There were a few years where I didn’t eat enough, and what I remember most about that period of time was my lack of energy — and I really hate that the lethargy is what I remember most. I felt tired all the time, and I never want to go back to feeling that way.
The “good sore”: I actually like when I do so much work with weights that I’m sore for a day or two afterwards. Some people don’t like being sore, but to me it’s proof that I’m working hard.
Self-sufficiency: An increase in strength means you can do more things for yourself rather than having to ask for help. I bought a 25″ television back in 1998 — a big, bulky, heavy thing. I had to transport it from my sister’s house last month, so I called my brother for help. He wasn’t available. I ended up hoisting it up myself (from the floor) and carrying it down the stairs, through the front door, and out to my car. I know I couldn’t have lifted it like that six months ago — it was an incredible feeling.
Inspiration: If I find myself searching for new ways to be active, rather than getting bored and quitting, I know I’ve found something that’s made a positive difference in my life.
Speaking of wanting to “do more” –- I have a tendency, with all the fitness-related stuff I’ve been reading, to look at all the activity options out there and see how much stuff I could be doing that I’m not currently doing (not to mention all the stuff I’ve never come close to trying). There are people who get up ultra-early in the morning to attend boot camps before work; people who like to run a 10k or train for a marathon; people who spend hours at a time on a bike. I don’t do any of that. But the advantage to noticing all these options is that there are so many of them to choose from, and you don’t have to try them all –- or even be good at all of them, for that matter. The important thing is to make an effort.
For all the gains I’ve made in the past six months, I still can’t do “real” pushups or pull-ups –- but I’m a lot closer than I was, and that’s what I care about. I can jog longer than I used to be able to, and if so many professed non-runners can turn themselves around and start running regularly, I know I’m capable of it. And I also know I’m not giving up any time soon.
So why do I want to write about fitness? I’m not a personal trainer (or even a long-time enthusiast), and I didn’t major in exercise science. There’s a simple answer: I find fitness information to be interesting, useful, and inspiring — and I thought if that was the case, there might be other people out there who think the same.
16 Comments
Thanks for the motivation! Maybe tomorrow I’ll actually make it out of bed on time so that I can finally go back to the gym!
I agree, it’s very interesting. And it can be motivating. I wrote a small post for my biz blog last year that you might find interesting. http://askusweknow.blogspot.com/2007/06/functional-exercise.html
I’ll keep looking to you for motivation!
Hey Zandria, how did you get involved with BlogHer? I’d love to write for them, and fitness is definitely something I’m interested in and know a lot about. I’m totally jealous of you.
I’ve had a similar journey into the joy of physical health this year, and have experienced the same benefits. Thanks for the motivation!
God for you! I’m glad you found out this really works for you.
Right now for me just it’s just weight lifting baby & toddler
First time commenting. I enjoy reading your blog.
This post was interesting. It actually motivates me to stay on track with my fitness goals. Thanks!
Oh, I read your posts about the 101 in 1001. I think I’m going to try it.
I love this post! I enjoy reading how healthy and fitness has made a difference in other people’s lives. Very motivating!
Thanks, Zandria.
Given that you live in Alexandria, come the spring, you should give rowing a try. Nothing will get you shape like rowing. You have a local group – Alexandria Community Rowing (http://www.rowalexandria.com/). If you prefer slightly calmer water, my club will be ponsoring a Learn to Row day in the April/may time frame on the Occoquan.(http://www.pwrc.org). Drop by and get a taste of what it is like.
Congrats on all your accomplishments here. I totally agree with you on the “good sore”. It definitely helps to make it around the city when you have the muscles to deal with the impact commuting on foot has on your body.
Oh, and consider yourself tagged, if you haven’t already done this one
Happy Friday!
http://citygrits.blogspot.com/2008/01/i-support-random-friday.html
Love your approach to fitness. Now if only some of that would rub off on me.
Zan you are such a fitness inspiration! I’m very impressed!
It’s so great to hear that you’re doing so well with the exercising. One thing yoga taught me is that’s not about the weight you lose or the muscles you gain, but about the self-esteem & inner strength that comes from knowing you’re doing something good for yourself.
In high school, I was on the swim team & my brother & I would get up at 4:30am to run 2 miles before school every day (winter, spring or fall!). In college, I turned into a slacker, gaining about 20 pounds, but after graduation, my husband (then fiancee) introduced me to cycling – we would ride 100 miles a week. But I never lost any weight!! It wasn’t until beginning yoga (10 years ago, i can hardly believe it’s been that long…) that I found an activity that shaped my body, strengthened my core, helped me lose weight & built up my confidence in myself.
I’m rambling here! But, it took me many tries to find the exercise that fit me best. And nowadays, the best compliments I get aren’t “you look great” they’re from my yoga teacher who will say “you’re so strong! Look at you go!” as I attempt new & challenging poses.
Maybe I should have just blogged about this this morning instead of clogging up your blog comments! LOL!
It is addictive, isn’t it?
I was never sportive either, till i spent some time on a campus with a free and well-equipped gym.
The feeling afterwards? Aaaaah, so nice.
During as well actually, given some good music, i sometimes find myself prolonging the exercise beyond planned time.
Wanting to do it instead of feeling that you should do it makes all the difference.
Very inspirational. I use some of your expressions in a workshop that I do on getting the best out of people.
Great going
:=)
I did actually get out of bed yesterday and today and went for a jog. Never realised there would be so many people, young and old, who’d be out that early for a jog or a walk. Feels good to get up early…. feel fresh all day long. Just hope I can keep it going…..on and on, and on.
cheers
Hi, I really feel very good to see people like you who have at least initiated your experience with us. Definitely it is a great opportunity for us to improve our self by running.
Thanks for motivating us.