Where Are You on Your Health and Fitness Journey?
The other day I emailed a friend of mine the link to a post here “Do You Workout Like a Soldier at Boot Camp?” Well … no, she doesn’t and this was her reply:
“I loved the military workout article on your site. Frankly, that site gives me a total guilt trip. I’m sorry, but I don’t abide by one single principle on that site of yours. Geez, I feel like a slug - all hopped up on caffeine, sugar and toxic substances. I’m going to have to force myself to look at it more and maybe take some baby steps toward becoming 1/10th the pillar of fitness that you are! It’s a really, REALLY good site and has lots of great info - now when I look at my big exercise ball sitting in the wheelbarrow in the garage, I give it a second glance (hey that’s something, right??) and think, hey, maybe I should bring it in the house and use it for a chair instead of letting the kids kick it around the cul de sac… baby steps, girlfriend, baby steps!!”
I emailed her back encouraging her not to be afraid to log on to my blog. She doesn’t have to do everything all at once. I told her that taking the stability ball out of the wheelbarrow and into the house was a good first step. Let the ball into your world. Sit on the ball one night while you are watching TV. Who knows, maybe the next night you might do a stretch or two on the ball. Eventually you will start thinking of other things you could do with the ball.
Every little baby step in the right direction counts!
So drink an extra glass of water today and go to bed knowing that you are at least moving in the right direction.
Whether you are just starting to discover baby steps toward getting into better shape or you are at “Boot Camp Level” with your fitness - it’s all about moving forward in a positive direction on your health and fitness journey.
So go ahead and click on the “comment” link below and tell me how you are “moving forward” - even if it is just taking the exercise ball out of the wheelbarrow … or maybe you’ve added a fourth Boot Camp workout to your week. Let me know.
Okay, so I am going to remain the “Anonymous” Friend referenced in the article, here - but anyone one who actually knows me can guess who I am - it’s totally obvious. Thankfully, Lori and I don’t have all that many friends in common anymore! Here’s the thing. I HATE to exercise. I smoke, I drink diet sodas like they’re going out of style, and I love chocolate. The latter I can sort of justify by all the articles that say that chocolate has been discovered to actually be good for you. So, in my toxin-laden mind, somehow, that chocolate can actually counteract the cigarettes and caffeine. Okay, you health buffs, okay - I KNOW it doesn’t, really. Before you all come after me with pitchforks and torches (or exercise balls and protein powder), I get it. I used to be just like you. I’d get up at 4 a.m., go work out at the gym, drink weird stuff and get enough sleep. I’ll admit - I did feel good and I looked pretty buff. That was before my kids started moving in and out of the apartment that was once my taut stomach. After that, my time was no longer my own and my apartment building fell into disrepair. I became a slumlord of my own self. Now, with Lori’s help, I am working, a little at a time, to start making some of those much needed repairs. First step, a Yoga class. My doctor is making me do that because my bones are getting twisty and arthritic and I hurt all the time. So, maybe that is the second step on the road to getting back in shape - the first step, as you all know, is admitting I have an issue that needs addressing. Wish me luck!
Great post! “Every waterfall starts with a drop!”
Mark Salinass last blog post..My Special Box
@The Friend - Watch out. I’m coming after you with an exercise ball and protein powder! (That’s funny)
Thanks for being a good sport and letting me “go public” with our communication.
That is awesome that you are taking a Yoga class. Baby steps, girlfriend! Speaking of which… is the exercise ball out of the wheelbarrow, yet?
@Mark Salinas … and every journey begins with a small step. You gotta start somewhere - might as well be where you are. Right?
Okay, so the exercise ball is STILL in the wheelbarrow - BUT - I have been drinking a lot more water AND logging onto your site with both eyes open instead of just one. I will bring the ball in before you get here - otherwise, I’ll just trip over it taking those baby steps. Thanks for the words of encouragement Lori and Mark Salinas!