New Year, New Body, New Attitude!

As I sat here at my house (after catching the lazy bug), the guilt was unbearable so I decided to check out what fitness programs I could find on demand. So I came across a cool Yoga-Meltdown program and decided to give it a shot. Whew! Boy it was tough! Before I knew it, I was sweating! What a great way for me to still get a workout in after not making it to the gym!

While working out, I noticed the women in the fitness video were toned and in great shape...and I started feeling a little insecure/ intimidated! Since, I was aware that I wasn't in the best shape I've ever been, I knew this feeling was to be expected and quite normal (especially being a semi-emotional woman lol) but it got me thinking... how many other women are out there, who want to get in shape, but they just can't get past their emotions to do it? They are afraid of large gyms for the fear of others looking at them, they are afraid of working out in front of those that are in great shape, maybe even afraid of looking like they don't know what they are doing or fit in? It's almost as if you have to be IN shape in order to go to the gym without having a complex! An oxymoron, right?

So, I just wanted to take a little time to salute all of you women (and men too!) who desperately want to get in shape but your mind's playing tricks on you. As women, we are unfortunately prone to the emotional issues that come along with being overweight (or we are just simply emotional about everything lol) but we don't have to be a slave to them! I encourage you to grab a friend, your I-Pod, or even just stay at home and get that workout in so you can start YOUR special journey to your new body, new attitude. I understand that by seeing another person in shape may be a little intimidating and may make you doubt or be hard on yourself, but don't be the bearer of a negative attitude! Let those women be your motivation to keep going! The irony in it all is that if you scare yourself away from people, gyms, trainers, classes, you're digging the hole deeper and deeper therefore making that challenge even more difficult to overcome and let alone even attempt.

As women, our emotions can sometimes possess our whole lives. I remember when I first began working out and I floated from machine to machine, taking my time, and the moment someone looked at me like wtf r u doing? I was outta there lol. I had such a fear of looking stupid or silly in front of other gym members and now looking back, I actually did look stupid just by taking their feelings into consideration! Living a healthy life is your journey and your journey ALONE. Don't let others prevent you from making the progress you deserve! Self-love is a full time job, you will have your good days and bad days, but you still keep going to work. Don't give up, I won't let you!

So next time, on your way out the door to the gym, stop at the mirror, look at yourself and say, "I AM A SUCH A HOTTIE AND I'M BOUT TO GO TO THE GYM AND MAKE IT HOTTER!"

Happy lifting,

Lei