You have to start somewhere

People ask me all the time what exercises I do and the look on their faces when I tell them is priceless!  I didn't START this journey working out 14-16 hours a week.  I started with 15 minutes on a treadmill...and I was dying.  I was building my stamina, testing the waters.  I had NO idea what I was doing.  It was very intimidating.  However, I needed to be there.  I wanted to be there.  So slowly....very slowly...I went longer on treadmill and I tried new machines, tried group exercise classes.  Until I found something I loved.  I stuck with what was right for me for a long time.  I was happy there.  I was still nervous of trying something new.  I was scared of leaving my comfort zone.  Why leave?  I was happy and I was losing weight. 

I formed a friendship with another member who was also taking the same Zumba classes as me.  I don't remember how it happened....but her and I decided on taking an outdoor boot camp session that was coming up.   Though I really can't recall who had the idea, pretty sure it was hers.  I will NEVER forget that class.  I went to the meet up location where the class was to be held.  There were "stations" set up.  To me they it looked like a torture chamber with scary tools.  The instructor started to explain what we were going to do.  As she was explaining and I was listening I was also thinking....No flipping way lady!  No way can I do this!  No way! 

So the first station was running up and stairs....ok fine!..I can do that.  The next station was squats.  Ugh...fine...I can do those too.  The third station was tricep dips off a railing...HA...hell no lady.  Nope...not me...I will break!  It felt like she read my thoughts and she came over and said I could 'modify' the exercise.  It was music to my ears!  Anyway after class I got to my car and balled my eyes out.  That was the hardest thing I had ever done.  I was in so much pain.  However, that was my breaking point.  I tried something new, something harder, I made it through, and damn straight I was going to back. 

Having formed a friendship and having someone suffer with me was a huge help.  I couldn't have done it with out her. The session ended and as much as her and I whined and complained we also signed up for more boot camp classes at another location.  Crazy! 

I am very thankful to you Sadie! 

The instructor was very understanding and was willing to help and take the time to show me proper form and modifications without making me feel like I was way out of my league.  She was also the instructor who taught my zumba classes.  It helped that I felt comfortable with her.  She has pushed me in so many ways, in so many classes.  She has taken me well out of my comfort zone but shown her full support.  If it wasn't for her....I would never have tried so many other formats or pushed myself so hard.  Having someone support you, believe in you, and push you, makes a world of difference! 

I am also very thankful to you Lori!

To make a long story short...
- start slow
- set realistic goals
- form friendships with those that are going where you want go
- surround yourself with positivity
- get support from friends, family, or online bloggers
- don't give up...just don't give up

Before                                          Now