Getting - and staying - in shape is hard work. For me, it takes almost constant focus, discipline, and organization to stay on top of a distracted and stubborn body that would immediately revert back to it's Stay-Puffed Marshmallow state if left to its own devices. So, I frequently tap into different types of motivation to stay ahead of that default setting.
Most of the time, just wanting to stay feeling good and strong motivates me. I love exercise, and the results usually feel more like gravy compared to the reward of just being able to work out. Being free of medications, disease, and other ailments is another motivator. Vanity plays a role, too. I love the way my shoulders look when I've been working hard! And, being able to eat a lot is a great motivator for getting those calories burned off!
 | |
| A heavier me. Fat pics are hard to find! |
But sometimes, when I am really tired, I get to the bottom of the barrel: fear. When it comes down to it, I am afraid to be fat again. I've been fat, multiple times, and it sucks. I remember how tired, winded, uncomfortable, angry, defeated, and hopeless I felt when it seemed that my weight was destined to be my nemesis. I've spent a lot of money thinking that if I had to spend my life overweight, at least I could have cute shoes! I've lost and re-lost weight over and over and have not forgotten what hard work it is. And, as a fundamentally lazy person, I don't like to do things twice.
So I get my butt out there every day and maintain what I've worked so hard to achieve, and I am only at a moderate level of fitness. Some days are easier than others, but I do it regardless because, as I've said before, the alternative is unacceptable to me.
 |
| Much happier now! |
I've learned a lot along the road to fitness, and found my calling as a Wellness Coach and fitness professional, so I can't say I wish I had never had to work hard at getting in shape. We should all have something we're a little bit afraid of, to coax us along to a better place.
3 comments:
You look awesome! It's nice to see someone who practices what she preaches! Your hard work has totally paid off. Carole
I had no idea, Heather! I love that you've had to fight the good fight . . . me too. Was a pudgy kid, will quickly return to pudge if I don't keep at it, like you. I have several family members who are morbidly obese, and heart disease & hypertension run in the family. Not to mention that I've had cancer twice w/no family history . . . I am a motivated fitness and nutrition buff, to say the least.
But I also have found that I LOVE to exercise and that I feel TERRIFIC when I'm eating well and exercising daily. So that's its own reward, right there. But yes, I have shallow reasons . . . I like the way I look SO much better when I'm in shape!
Thanks Carole! That means a lot.
Sarah, yep, I have always been into health and fitness but I stayed overweight for a long time because I couldn't get it through my thick skull that FOOD, not deprivation or crazy workouts or gimmicks, was the path to a buff body. Once I connected the dots of nutrition, it all came together.
But, I'm also glad that I had a rocky path to travel. I think I appreciate my fitness and knowledge much more than if I had just been born lean and mean. :)
Post a Comment