As I mentioned on Wednesday, January is more than half over. For me, that also means I had another birthday and turned 32. I remember when I thought people in their 30’s were really old, but I’m trying to forget about that and remember how great it is that I am happier (and healthier) in my thirties than I ever was in my twenties.
Part of my present to myself on my birthday was a long workout sans baby monitor. Someone I used to work with in my past life (not that long ago) reached out to me asking if I exercise on my birthday and if yes, do I do anything special?
I honestly hadn’t even thought about it, but she did inspire me to do 32 pull-ups.
This [very bright] woman also brought up a point about how most people would give themselves the day off for their birthday and wanted to know how I looked at this considering I have a different lens for the world of how I look at exercise (her words, not mine).
With that, today’s Friday Five was born. There are plenty of reasons why you should work out (you already know that!), but here’s another spin on things to remind you that being able to strengthen your muscles and move your body is a true gift and privilege.
How I Look at Exercise
1. Workouts are time for me. Most people these days are grinding out long days at work or spending long days at home taking care of kids. We all deserve a little time for ourselves and this is a great way to do it. Whether you disappear to a gym or to your basement or you throw on some headphones and go out for a run, it’s important to prioritize yourself and forget about everything else you’re supposed to take care of for awhile.
2. Workouts give me energy and leave me feeling better than when I started. I admitted that I don’t always jump out of bed with excitement about working out in the morning, but I always feel better after working out. It’s very rare that I regret a workout and I have never heard any client or friend finish a workout and say they wish they had sat on the couch instead. Here’s a workout I did on Tuesday morning and I promise you I felt ten times better at the end than I did at the beginning.
3. Exercise helps me achieve my goals. This year I want to #learn as much as possible, especially about my profession (fitness and nutrition) as well as my roles as a mother, wife and Christian. Every time I train it’s an opportunity to learn about my body and to practice what I teach others.
4. Exercise makes me want to treat my body right in other ways beyond just working out. It encourages me to fuel my body properly with nutritious (and delicious) meals and snacks.
5. Exercise is a privilege. I’ve said this one before, but it’s really important to the way that I view training. There are many people who are incapable of exercising and if you are healthy enough to get strong, move that body and improve yourself by moving more (and lifting heavy things) don’t you think you should take advantage of that?
Do you view workouts as just another chore or are you able to see that exercise is a privilege?
I so enjoyed reading this article. I agree with your reasons on why we should exercise.. I just need to experience them daily. I am not to the point where I love exercise and I want to! This reminded me that I need to make it a priority for me and my family!!
<3 thank you!!!
Happy belated birthday!!
There are a few things that might help you love exercise. A change of perspective is a huge one…just think of how lucky you are to have the time to yourself and/or the ability to move/get stronger. It really is a blessing, not a chore, but I know it can feel like it at times. Good luck!!
Excellent perspective. Did you really do 32 pull-ups? That is bad ass! Like your workout idea too. I need to try that one.
Hi Jenn – yes I did do 32 pullups. I did 4 sets of 8. 🙂 Hopefully I can start a new tradition and do pullups every birthday!
First of all – you are looking SO FIT AND FAB friend, I love it! Second of all — I totally am WITH YOU on fitness and exercise being a reward, not a chore. Sure there are mornings where that alarm clock stings more than others but at the end of the day, it’s always worth it. Always.
Thank you! Yes…it’s always worth it!!! Getting started is absolutely the hardest part. Once you start you’re always glad you did!
Happy birthday my friend! What a great post…I never thought of it as a privilege but with that perspective it takes the chore mentality out of it and gives me the extra bit of motivation to get out of bed in the mornings when I could easily come up with a ton of reason why not to!
Thank you for sharing your perspective with us and motivating us in more ways that I am sure you know!
Awwww I’m so glad that it struck a chord with you! I just know that most people look at training as something they should fit it vs. something they want to fit in. 🙂
Excellent post!!! You have a unique perspective, and by explaining your logic, it helps teach me to look at exercise the way you naturally do. I agree the ability to move is not something to take for granted…but for me the best part of this post is (it appears) you don’t look at exercise only as an obligation but also rather a privilege. Love that concept!! Happy birthday … And PS Does your achievement this week suggest 64 pull-ups 32 years from now?!
Thanks for the inspiration for this post my friend. 🙂 YES! I hope I started a new tradition and can add a pull-up each year. Why not, right?
LOVE this post friend! Exercise totally is a privelage!! I completely agree. You look fabulous in these pics, so fit! Happy birthday!!
Of course you agree! You are totally the same way and I can tell that you’re thankful to be able to train as much as you do. 🙂
Exercise is most definitely a privilege. I’m healthy and I want to keep it that way especially now that I’m a mom (and an “older” one at that!). Before I had my daughter, the gym was practically a second home. I went 6-7 days a week and it was time for me to decompress, process the events of the day, and get rid of any tension I had. Many times, I walked in feeling tired, or had a headache, but I’d feel like a million bucks about 10 minutes into my workout. It’s been a tough adjustment not having quite so much time now that I’m back at work and wanting to spend every other waking minute with my beautiful daughter. When I do get to the gym, go for a run, or attend a class, I try to really appreciate that time and be thankful that I’m able to do something good for myself. It gives me goals, things to look forward to, and a sense of accomplishment.
You are one smart mama. 🙂 It’s so important for new moms (and dads) to take care of themselves even though sometimes it’s really hard to fit it in. I think having Connor actually made me even more thankful for training time because it’s one of the only things I do for me and only me. (Okay, and to set a good example for him!)
Such a great post my friend. I too think of exercise as a privilege. It took me a little while to get here – definitely didn’t see it that way in college and in my early 20s – but I am stronger now and healthier (minus that stupid knee). It’s also my time, time to focus on me mentally and physically.
Thank you! OH ….I was not always this way either. I used to look at training as a “have to” not a “want to”.
I’m in my late 30’s now and am realizing that I’m a much stronger, happier, more secure person now. I do think that exercise is a privilege and not a chore. Of course, I think we all have those dragging butt kinds of days, but exercise tends to remedy that feeling for me once I get moving.
Heck yes we have dragging butt days – those are allowed!! 🙂
It’s taken me a long time, and really, it’s a pretty recent development (in the last couple years) that I really enjoy exercise! For a long time it was a about calorie burn and now it’s finally about so much more.
PS- happy birthday again 🙂
YES!!! Calorie burn is a wonderful thing, but the time to yourself to do something healthy is even more important.