The Reason I Workout

I have been sitting on this blog of mine for months now....waiting for the perfect first post to write. I love to write and I have so much to talk about but I wanted to have something profound and meaningful to say. Otherwise you wouldn't be interested in reading my blog.  For those of you that know me, know that I love to spend my time in the gym.  For some of you, I know it's a bit of a nuisance at times because aside from my family, that's what comes first in my life.  It's not that I'm just obsessed.  Really.  I'm not.  I love to be at the gym because when I leave there, I feel great about myself!  Working out has so many wonderful benefits but I think the best one is that it boosts your confidence level. Even if you're not the fittest person in the world, you leave there feeling good about yourself.  And when you feel good about yourself, you feel like you can conquer the world.  Cheesy I know.  But it's true. There is a saying that confidence is the best accessory one can own.  So with that being said...here is my awesome little story I want to share.

I have a dear friend that I have known for a few years now.  She used to keep a loving eye on my son at the gym and while it was a slow process, we became great friends.  She was pregnant with her 3rd when we met and I soon became pregnant with my 2nd. Some 2 years later this friend, I'll name "Bunny", came to me and asked me for some advice on what to do to get in better shape and transform her body.  She was always a beautiful girl but something within her wanted to make a change for the better.  She expressed an interest in wanting to lift weights but was too intimidated by the machines and weights.  She was always comfortable in the back of the gym using the cardio machines.  I offered to put together a weight program for her and showed her a few exercises.  Over the course of the next 2 weeks, she slowly but surely gained the confidence to navigate herself around the gym and show courage and sheer determination to be better! Within a couple of months, I would see her all over the gym jumping on a machine with sheer confidence. Made me so proud of her! Just a few days ago before she left on a trip with her husband, I received this text from her:

"Ya know what is really awesome? The feeling of going on a trip and having super cute clothes to wear and feel good wearing them!!  Thank you so much for helping me push myself and being so willing to share knowledge about fitness with me. You have been such a blessing!!! Thankful for you : ) "

And THAT my friends, is what motivates to do what I do.  If my passion inspires and motivates others to push themselves and see what they're made of, then I consider that more successful than my own personal accomplishments.  "Bunny", you are an inspiration to all those moms out there who don't have to settle for being just a mom. It's ok to take care of yourself too.  You keep doing what you're doing and shine like the diamond that you are! 

Stay tuned. A post to come soon sharing some meal ideas that are yummy and good for your body!  Thanks for joining me and until next time...... STAY CALM AND GET FIT! ;)