Today, on my way to a Solidcore fitness class, I realized I’ve never fully emerged myself into the fitness community. I’ve lightly worked out for the majority of my life. My parents had a weight bench and some other weight training items in the basement, that they NEVER used. I used them but didn’t didn’t really know proper form or how to best utilize the equipment I had. Squats were not a word in my vocabulary and I hadn’t ever heard of a lunge.
When I went to college, they had a gym that I attended a couple times a week, mostly just hitting just the treadmill. It’s what the girls did. In all the gyms I had been in anyway. After college I tried the workout videos, Tae Bo and others. It really wasn’t until I started doing Jillian’s workout videos that I started “lifting”. By “lifting” I mean, using 3-5 pound dumbbells. I saw improvement and some tone muscles but I didn’t look how I wanted to look.
After kids and because of Pinterest I came across the BodyRockers and HIIT training. I fell in LOVE. The endurance training and weights were amazing and I was definitely seeing results! It definitely became my go to workout. Nutrition has always been a weak point. I’ll workout but then I don’t practice the same discipline on my food choices. The shape I was in didn’t surprise me. I ordered the nutrition books, read them and really didn’t give an effort in trying them out.
Lately though, the Oxygen Challenge has got me on the right track, FINALLY. It so much easier when the plan is literally laid out in front of you, in black and white (ink because my color ink ran out…). I know what workouts I need to do and what foods I need to eat. It’s “easy” in I don’t have to think about it, but still takes a lot of determination and strength to not give up. I am seriously in love with the program.
But today, as I mentioned…I realized that in the fitness waters I’ve only just dipped my toes in. I’ve only dipped my toes in because I’m concerned with the judgement of others. I don’t look fit. But what I’ve realized in my journey thus far is it doesn’t matter. Some of the strongest people don’t look it. It doesn’t stop them from competing and winning. Some of the people that look fit give up faster than I would.
I decided to make a change today and fully dive in. I may not look the part but as I proved to myself in class today, I can hold my own.
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On another note, the Solidcore classes are amazing! A friend of mine was doing some mock classes in order to complete her training for being a coach. I was lucky enough to be a part of two of them. The first one I barely made it through. The 50 minute class seemed like it took 5 weeks to complete. My legs and core were on fire the ENTIRE time. My ass was literally kicked. I didn’t know if I would ever go back. The workout was amazing but with the Oxygen Challenge my legs and core are already in pain, did I really need to add another torture session? After a couple days passed and the aching eased up, I confirmed my attendance for today. And boy am I glad I did.
I was amazed at the changes that had happened in a weeks time. I was able to last longer than I had in the first round and I didn’t have to use some of the modification tools. Did I feel like I was dying? Yes. Were my legs shaking as bad as Bambi’s after? YES! In fact one of my fellow classmates got out of class and took a rest on a bench before making it to her car. It is an intense work out. Totally worth it.
Because I’m involved with this Oxygen Challenge, I won’t be going to another class until this challenge is done. The total body workout is fantastic, but when you have a leg day the next day and you can barely stumble out of class you have to pick your priorities and right now that’s Oxygen. When I’m free (after October) I will definitely be going back for a torture session!
Much love,
JES xoxo