Today, I am wearing shorts that I couldn't wear a year ago, and I'm wearing them comfortably. I'm not writing about the achievement for recognition or applause, but because I see so many people posting about their early morning commutes to the gym or miles of running or newest diet. I want all of those people out there to be inspired by my shorts as much as I am. I want them to know that those hours of dedication and pounds of sweat, and sometimes even tears, will make a difference in their lives.
I also want to point out that I said a YEAR AGO. It takes time to get where you want to go. When I set out a year ago to get back to a certain strength and shape, I had to commit to a specific number of workouts a week. I couldn't tell a difference after two weeks, or even two months. Maybe by around month six, I started to see the woman that I knew was there smiling back at me in the mirror again. It's not easy, or quick, but at the risk of sounding cliche', nothing worth having ever is.
When I talk to people about yoga (you can insert any type of exercise here), I often hear the same hesitations spoken in different variations: not enough time, lack of motivation and fear. Let's look at these topics separately.
1. Time. First, let me say that I understand time constraints. At one point in my life, I had a full time job, was completing my Master's Degree, raising a child and maintaining a home. Needless to say, I wasn't hanging out at the gym five days a week. But, I also had a dog that needed to walk, so I would awake at 5:30 in the morning and take her for a little jog around the neighborhood. I had a friend that would walk around the field for the duration of her child's soccer practice. She wasn't the most popular soccer mom, but her legs had never been stronger. Or another that "races" her children in the pool while they are playing. She is spending quality time with them all while getting in a nice 30-minute cardio session. No shame if you haven't thought of these ideas, simply examples of how to fit in time to take care of your body.
As for yoga, take one class a week at the studio and then create your own practice at home. Most yoga instructors are happy to offer private sessions to teach you a sequence that you can practice alone. My yoga practice now happens six days a week, even if I'm strength training in the evening. My body craves it and my mind needs it. Whatever you choose to do, commit time to accomplish your goal because... you matter.
2. Motivation. If you are living in the US, it is full-fledged swimsuit season and everyone is out at the pools and lakes enjoying the weather. And, let's be honest, while everyone wants to look good in that swimsuit, few of us actually feel good in that swimsuit. It's very challenging to quiet that inner critic when we shimmy off the cute little cover-up. This fact is why I encourage everyone to find a motivation that is more intrinsic. If you notice in the beginning, one of my goals was strength. I knew I was losing functional strength and that bothered me tremendously. I want to be able to hike three to five miles any day I choose or carry in ten bags of groceries from the car so I only have to make one trip. It matters to me that I am able to continue doing the activities I could do in my twenties with ease. That's intrinsic motivation. Yoga also offers me a quieter, more peaceful mind and presence. In turn, I'm better for my family, my friends and my clients. What inspires you? Listen to your initial answer and then follow it because...you matter.
3. Fear. What's to fear? Are you kidding? Everything! You could fail. You could look foolish. You could stand out and do something terribly wrong. Those more experienced could stare at you or reject you or laugh at you. Goodness, you could even bend over and split your pants right down the middle and expose your panties or boxer briefs (I know someone that actually did this). The truth is, all these things could happen to you. But, as my dear friend always says, "You're not going to die" and most likely that is true. While fear is a natural emotion and was very useful when we were hunting saber toothed cats, it now tends to inhibit us from doing what we most want to do. What is holding you back from dedicating yourself to a fitness practice? Is it more important than your dreams? If not, then accept it for what it is and face it because...you matter.
You matter. Let that little statement sink into your heart and mind. You have an important purpose for living this life and it's only with a healthy body and mind that you can reach that goal you desire.