Not Just a Workout

The framework around exercise is about physical health. We exercise to lose weight, tone muscles, and stay physically healthy. This was the lesson drilled into us by gym short wearing drill sergeants, when institutionally forced to engage in physical activity during PE classes in primary and high school.


I totally bought into this when I first integrated exercise into my life. I wanted to lose weight, so I could live a healthier life. As I gasped through each workout wondering why I was doing this to myself I would coax myself through with the idea of losing weight, toning up, and getting healthy. I focused solely on the outward results of an exercise plan.

I looked to exercise as the answer to getting physically fit ignoring the emotional impact it could have. As my strength and endurance increased I gained a sense of pride in the work I was doing and excitment in doing it. When I first hit the Wheel Pose in Yoga Class it wasn’t, “Hey, I am physically healthy,” that passed through my brain, but a deep sense of accomplishment related to my determination and growth. Each time I complete a boxing workout, that could be used as a form of punishment for wayward individuals; there is this feeling of achievement. These are things I never saw myself doing.

Working out simply began as a means to an end. It was a box to check in my day. However, the moment I began to challenge myself with different types of athletic pursuits like Yoga, Boxing, Kickboxing, and Swimming the passion, love, drive...etcseized me! It was like a ravenous lover grabbing me and passionately kissing me. I wanted more! I wanted to push myself by pursuing things I never dreamed I could do.  An athletic awakening consumed me.
This transformational experience took hold of me. It caused me to see my workout as this fun activity I did for me. It brought me happiness, pride, laughter, and so many other emotional delights. What began as a strategy for combating weight morphed into an important element of my life.

Exercise can do more than change our bodies. It can change our lives. With Yoga, Boxing, Kickboxing, and Swimming I found a way to channel my Type A Personality in a healthy way, decrease stress levels, develop a sense of accomplishment/pride, and so much more! While it’s helping support weight loss, its emotional impact upon my life is what drives me to continue. On those days that I just don’t want to get out of bed or leave the house after a long work day the way exercise makes me feel drives me. The instant gratification v the long term goal keeps me engaged.

Exercise truly works, when we find that passion in it and realize it's tranformative power upon our entire self. 

Today’s Food:

• Breakfast – Two Bananas and A bowl of Frosted Mini Wheat Cereal with 2% low fat milk

• Lunch – Slice Apple, Spoonful of Peanut Butter, Steamed Broccoli, Single Serving of Baby Carrots

• Snacks – Single Serving of Popcorn, ice blended coffee, peanut butter, and banana drink with nonfat milk, a mini Oreo cupcake (thanks Liam), a 60 calorie vanilla pudding cup

• Dinner – skipped it (naughty) and engaged in snacking throughout the evening

Today’s Exercise:

• 20 minute power walk with Milo at lunch time

• 90 minute Flow I Yoga class

Today’s Treat:

• Coffee date with Darren (what a lovely spirit)

Today’s “What I like about me”:

• I really turn myself on (lol get it)! My sense of humor. I like how I can be silly and find the humor in life. Even if nobody else is laughing, I am and that makes me smile!