We all know how scary it can be taking that first step. Whether it’s applying for a new job, going back to school or going to the gym when you haven’t been in a long time (or ever!). For me, it was getting back into an exercise routine. A few weeks before Christmas I got bronchitis. To this day (I act like it was SO long ago), I sometimes wheeze a bit. Also, my lower back has been killing me lately (thanks crushed disk). Because of those things, I’ve found an excuse to not workout. Guess what? Those aren’t excuses, even though I was telling myself it was ok that I wasn’t working out. You know what is going to help my back? Stronger abs from EXERCISING. You know what is going to help my wheezing? No, really, do you? It’s annoying. But actually my inhaler helped, so I guess THAT is what is going to help my wheezing. See? No excuses.
I know a few updates ago I posted about my 10 pound weight loss. I worked out a tad, but most of that weight came off with diet. But I know FULL WELL that it can’t all come off that way. It will be too hard. Plus… I want to be strong. And fit. Not just a skinnier version of what I am now. And that’s where butt kicking exercise comes in.
I’m the type of person that does better when working out with others, too. Some people are perfectly happy working out at home by themselves. And that’s great! But I need extra motivation around me. I like it coming from a trainer as well as peers around me. I like knowing that we are in the same boat, hating every second of that workout but feeling so accomplished at the end of it. So the other week my friend Kelly sent me a deal she found online. It was for a 4 week boot camp. It was $20 and I didn’t have to write up my own workout. I just had to show up and let someone else kick my butt. I was SO IN. $20 is a steal! And knowing I’d have the support of her and our other friend, Josie, was awesome. So we bought it. But as the days got closer to our start date, I started feeling anxious. I don’t normally feel like that, but I was really worried. What if I couldn’t keep up? What if I can’t breath because of the bronchitis? What if my back decides to give out on me? All these things were running through my mind. But I had the support of my 2 friends. I knew that they would be right there with me, helping me along if I needed it.
So we showed up that night at the park, not having any idea what to expect. And you know what? It wasn’t that bad! I survived! We all survived! My back was fine and so were my lungs. Half of the group were newcomers as well, so a lot of us were in the same boat.
It made me realize that no matter how scared you are, taking that first step is so important. I guess I always knew that. But it took getting there to make me realize it. And I’m lucky to have friends there for support.
So if you’re in the same boat that I was in, don’t be scared. You’ll survive and you will be so happy that you did take that first step. And having support is key! It’s so important. Support is what got me to that boot camp, and it’s what will keep me going.
