ever wonder why i work out?

I honestly don't get asked this question very often.  I am sure that, because of my size, most people assume that I am doing it stay looking fit.  The truth is, that is not my top motivition anymore.  

It doesn't seem that long ago that my vanity and self-image was my driving force.  I was 5'2 and 95 pounds in high school.  I am simply genetically small.  To most people that would seem like a great problem to have.

Skinny Shaming

It does exist.  I was told be some people that I was too skinny.  I was made to feel self conscious about wearing a tank top because I "looked gross".  I wish I could say that my self-image was good enough that it didn't matter what others said, but that is not true.

After high school I started working out at a gym and started liking what I saw.  I was gaining some weight and gaining muscle and it helped me to not look so skinny.  But even then, I was still called skinny ALL THE TIME!

Even when I was at a healthy weight, I was viewed as under-weight.  It really is just as bad to feel too skinny as it is to feel too fat.  

THEN I REACHED THE, I DON'T GIVE A S**T,  PHASE OF MY LIFE

As I have aged, I don't care that my body does't please someone else.  Who cares? I am happy with how I look.  Even with more wrinkles and aging skin, I am happier with myself now than I was when I was younger.  Ironic isn't it, that when I looked my best, I didn't appreciate it.  I am a strong 41 year old woman with 2 children and battle scars to prove it. 

SO WHY DO I STILL WORK OUT?

I work out because I love a challenge.  I have always been driven.  I want to be that woman that is still moving like I'm 50 when I'm 90.  That is a challenge for me.  I love feeling strong and confident.  I love surprising people with my accomplishments. I often suprise myself.  Even when I have encountered road blocks, such as my pacemaker surgery, I still had 2 good legs and 1 good arm to work out. 

It makes me feel so much better.  When I don't work out, I'm more tired, stressed, depressed, and have more musculoskeletal aches and pains.  

I also have great people in my life that motivate me.  One is my husband, who is always wanting me to do my best.  I also have numerous friends at my crossfit gym that push me.  Yes, I go somewhere else to work out even though I have everything I need at my studio.  It is because of those friends that I try harder.  See that woman in the background of the above picture?  She is 60 years old.  She kicks my butt with any endurance workout and we are fairly close on our strength abilities.  Impressive that a woman 20 years older than me is in such good shape.  That's what I want!  

FIND YOUR MOTIVATION

Most people don't really enjoy working out.  But those that go regularly will tell you that there is a motivating factor for them.  It may be to eat more or look good.  It may be to feel good.  Whatever the reason, it is something that works for them.

MY ADVICE FOR THE DAY

Find a motivating factor that is all yours.  It can't be what someone else wants of you.  It has to be a true driving force.  I know it is hard sometimes to want to make time for exercise.  I understand that 10 minutes a day can seem overwhelming in an already crazy life.  But I hope that you might be willing to take some baby steps to get you on the right path.  Exercise can be a life-changer. 
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