First of all, I need to give a shout-out to Amanda May, Crossfit Owner, Personal Trainer, and named in Frederick Magazine's Best of 2012!!! Even though I whole-heartedly disagree with her second-place status, I'm thrilled for her and proud to be one of her peeps! She, along with Dave and the other trainers, have made my gym THE PLACE TO BE PUSHED OFF YOUR A** and whipped into shape! I love that girl, and I am SOOOO happy for her! That being said, she's still gonna kick my butt today. Brownie points absolutely do not work with her.
What are you doing to make yourself stronger? I'm curious, and would love to hear what works for you. Crossfit Frederick? Tell me how it's changed your fitness. Another gym? Running or Triathlons? Home workouts? Team sports? What has it given you, and what do you continue to get from it? What motivates you? I wanna hear your comments!
I've seen people not only change physically, but grow a set. Getting into shape and becoming strong builds self-confidence, so that you can stand up straight and look your boss, spouse, annoying neighbor or bitchy co-worker in the eye and say, "Nope, not taking that from you." It increases your endorphins, giving you a natural mood elevation that stays with you all day. It gives you friends with a common interest, and common lifestyle.
3 years ago, if I had walked into any health club, I would have watched people lift. I might have done a class, in the back row of the room. I definately would not have had the confidence to join people on the weights. Last fall, in Miami's South Beach, Chris and I worked out in a park by the beach with a group of guys. These guys were BEAST, and they were working out hard. After about 3 minutes with them, I realized they all had done some time at one point or another. Outer Angela had game face on. Inner Angela needed a diaper. No joke, these guys were complete with their pitbull who didn't move.
I'm happy that I've found what works for me. Have you found what works for you? If not, ask for help. Get out there, talk to your friends, and try something new. There are tons of choices around - if there's a reason you think something "isn't for me," ask yourself why. Are you sure? Each decade makes us work harder and harder for less results. At 20, if I lifted the beer bottle to my mouth I lost weight. At 30, if I ate smart for a week I lost weight. At 40, I was running 10 miles at a clip and feeling thick. STOP - I'm not 50 yet. At 43, I'm not in my ideal shape, but I'm working on it.
If it works, keep at it. If it ain't working, why are you still doing it? Insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. If I hit snooze the 3rd time, I believe that I am still going to be able leave for work on time and get to work on time. But every time I decide to sleep 9 more minutes, I leave 5-10 minutes late, traffic's heavier, I travel slower, and walk in the hospital 10 minutes after I wanted to be there. That's insanity. So please, let me know what's worked for you, what's not insane, and how you keep at it. I'd love to hear.
