Every muscle in my body aches.
That was my cry to a cousin the day after a very strenuous weight training workout with Trainer Jeremy. She became concerned:
“Don’t do too much. You could hurt yourself.”
I quickly explained that I have entrusted my training to a wonderful professional and the key to building strength and endurance is challenging oneself to do more every time. The pain is not serious. It is my body’s natural response to the work. And it feels good because I know that my muscles are being activated. Hell, my body hurt when I did nothing for ten years. I was lethargic and constantly out of breath by just walking down the street. But this recent pain feels good because I know that my body is waking up. The more I push, the more I can do. I welcome it. I cherish it. It is cause for celebration because I am building my strength and prolonging my life.
I am being proactive.
For some folks, working out is simply maintenance. But not for me. I am systematically rebuilding my body. I should say: WE are systematically rebuilding my body. I couldn’t do this without Jeremy. During one recent, exceptionally strenuous work out (through clenched teeth, sweat and exhaustion) I thought to myself: I would NEVER push myself like this on my own. Don’t get me wrong, in the past, I did push myself. I had gotten into the culture of strength training and core work and I added weight and more reps, but not like this. This new journey is miraculous. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of my friend and under the guidance of my trainer Jeremy, I am reaching for fitness and strength. And I am just beginning.
It’s been eight months today since I started. We didn’t jump right into this. It has been a long hard road. I had a lot to work through: I am easily 100+ pounds overweight and the urge to “blast right in” would have been tempting if I had done this on my own. I believe the journey would have been over by now. I have learned that you have to build gradually. The key to sticking with this work is accountability. I am accountable to my friend who is paying for this. He challenged me:
“If you commit to a program of fitness and strength, I will pay for it. But I don’t think you will do it.”
And I can not let him down. He actually laid a guilt trip on me:
“I will be VERY disappointed if you stop this work.”
Admittedly, he is my inspiration, but it’s not solely for his contentment that I am committed to this work. I am committed to being the best that I can be physically and as I said before in a previous post, this achievement trickles down to so much more in my life. Being strong gives me more endurance for my performing life which then leads to better shows and more work which pays the bills and inspires me to do more. I stayed home all the time because I didn’t have the energy to go out, so my social life benefits as well, and don’t forget that I look better – because I feel better.
So, yes, this pain is a good pain. It is my badge of honor. And I look forward to feeling more in the future. I say to you reading this: Start off gradually. Just do something active every day, even if it’s just five minutes at first. I bet you will do ten minutes the next day and before you know it, you’re being active for 30 minutes. Start small. The big work out is unrealistic if you have been inactive. You need to be consistent. I believe the key is to be accountable to someone who won’t let you off the hook. And if you fall off, don’t get remorseful, get back to it. And if possible, hire a trainer, buy a fitness magazine, go online and find a work out routine. There are constant quick fitness tips out there on the internet. Don’t sit on the sidelines and watch others do it. The next time you find yourself encouraging someone else who is out there working at it, be sure to do something yourself! You have to consider this work as a vital part of your life.
Just START. TODAY.
Most importantly – STAY WITH IT. Wake up each day and say to yourself:
“just as I won’t leave the house without brushing my teeth, putting on my glasses or having my first cup of coffee – I must do something physical for a sustained period of time, even if it’s just ten minutes.”
Then go enjoy that first cup. You will feel better. Trust me on this one folks!
P.S. Sometimes when I find myself not feeling the urge to go to the gym, I will dedicate my work out to a loved one. My beloved mother used to always tell me: “Lynnie, please get that weight off.” She knew that my obesity was killing me. Sadly, she passed away in 2000. So some mornings I say to myself: “Mommy, this workout is for you.” That never fails to get my sorry ass out of the house and into the gym!
I can so hear your mama’s voice saying that. Loved her so very much!
Awww. I can hear her voice too. And I know she would be so with me on this journey. Thank you!