It's true. I love to workout. Sure, there are some days where it is the last thing that I want to do. But once I start my workout, I remember why I love to move.
It hasn't always been this way. I was never someone who worked out. I played sports for the first year or so of high school, but couldn't keep up with the athleticism. Nor did I ever, ever want to run. Which is somewhat of a requirement in high school sports.
My college had a fitness center on campus. I went there for my one throwaway "gym" class freshmen year and never went back. My college apartment complex I lived in from sophomore to senior year had a few treadmills and bikes. I think it maybe twice. And that could be a stretch.
I TRIED to join a gym in my young adult years- I'd do a few minutes on a treadmill and leave. I just wasn't motivated or interested.
There was a time in my early 20's when I did a half marathon. I walked it. I trained for it for months. It remains one of the prouder moments of my life, considering my lack of interest in doing anything physical.
When I hit my heaviest weight and made the decision to make some life changes, I was brand new to exercise. But I knew, from family and friends and professionals, that I would never lose the weight I wanted to lose without exercising. So I started going to the gym. When I started, I could not even walk up the flight of stairs that led from the locker room to the equipment without being out of breath. I tried all the machines- elliptical, treadmill, row machine, and bike. I was terrified to do group exercise, knowing I could never keep up with the others in the classes. So I'd make my own routine, spending a few minutes on each machine. Eventually, I added swimming into my routine once a week. The gym I was going to at first had a huge pool and I loved doing laps back and forth. I started seeing results. People from the gym started to recognize me and make small talk. I started to enjoy going to the gym for the first time in my life. I remember when it was closed on Labor Day and I actually felt sad that I couldn't go the gym. That's when I started to feel my relationship with working out change.
About halfway through my weight loss journey. I changed jobs. Going to that first gym was really no longer an option. I had to find a new one. And I did- this time, my local Ymca. This is where I fell in love with group fitness. In addition to doing the machines on my own, I started to take boot camp classes. When I began, the rest of the class would be lightyears ahead of me. We used to have to run up and down the steps and they would lap me. I couldn't do a burpee if you paid me $100. But I started to really love the group atmosphere. We became close, and encouraged each other. They noticed my results and were proud of me.
A few years in, I once again had to make a gym change as I was moving homes. By this point I had reached my weight loss goal but knew in order to maintain I had to keep working out. I joined another local Y, and pretty much ONLY did group workout classes in the form of bootcamp and cardio kickboxing. I'd sneak in a few days of weight training, too, but mostly was there for the group ex. What a difference from that first gym I joined, where I would have never set foot in a group class.
Those of you who know me are probably wondering where The Barre Code fits into this. Well, I had actually been taking classes here and there at their studios for a few years. I'd do their Friday night class, where less people were there. I distinctly remember my first few classes, having to leave the room a few times to catch my breath, and I was too embarrassed to do in the room. Oh and there was also a time I was THIS close to passing out and a very nice girl who I later came to know as Alex (who now cuts my hair) gave me a protein bar. But I did not become a regular client until my dad was dying. Because the people at the Y knew me so well, I was sort of avoiding them. I didn't want to talk about my dad, and The Barre Code was the only place that felt safe. They didn't know me. I could come in and out without small talk or sad looks on their faces.
Obviously, 2020 shook things up for the fitness industry. But almost immediately, The Barre Code had a plan. They began to have instructors stream classes from their living rooms. Back then we didn't know how long we'd be in this situation, so we subbed dog food or laundry detergent for weights. But it WORKED. One of the best added bonuses was getting to take class from instructors in different states. The community I had come to love in the last three years grew even larger. Eventually, we added in outdoor classes, and then class in the studio in masks. Right now, I continue to do a mixture of class at home (usually zooming with some other gals) and class in the studio, with a mask on.
And I absolutely LOVE it. I love experimenting with new exercises, I love getting sweat in my eyes during brawl, I love challenging myself to stay in plank position longer than I think I can. I love adding in A Jacks or Tuck Jumps. It is one of the most positive places I have ever encountered, and I am inspired daily by the women I am surrounded with there.
I now, my friends, consider myself an athlete. After 33 years of thinking the idea that I could ever be an athlete was absurd. I may not be the fastest. I may not rack up points in a competition. But I am strong, I am agile, and I have stamina.
So maybe you are reading this and thinking you could never be as active as I am. You're wrong. Everyone can start somewhere. I started when I was 311 lbs of mostly fat. The key is to start small. Another necessity? Do things you ENJOY doing. Whether that's running, yoga, kickboxing, dancing- the way you will keep going is if you are actually enjoying what you are doing. Exercise does not have to be boring.
Whatever you decide to do, know that I am cheering you on every step of the way. i am here to tell you it is possible.
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