Why Do You Train?

We are kicking off April with a BANG this month at our gym.

For the whole month of April our members and coaching staff are focused on the reasons why we train. There’s gotta be some strong {pun intended} reasons we keep showing up even on the nights the couch practically screams our name on the way home from work and the mornings our alarm clock just goes off way too early.

Surely, it would be easier to give up and sit around instead of finding time to make it happen and working hard in the gym, wouldn’t it?

It’s interesting to really put some solid thought into WHY you want to keep getting better, stronger, more fit and healthier overall. I’m sharing a few reasons our clients keep showing up and a few things that remind me to keep making this time for myself a priority, but it’s important for you to do the work, dig deeper and find your own real reasons to keep on keepin’ on.

Let’s be honest here. You KNOW exercising regularly improves your energy and will likely keep you healthy longer. You’ve probably experienced the post-exercise endorphin rush that just can’t be beat at least a few times in your life.

The problem is just knowing training is good for your health and even makes you feel good isn’t enough to inspire long-term change. Studies show that even when given prescription medicine for serious conditions, most people have a hard time taking it consistently for any amount of time. If taking a pill that takes 3 seconds and may save your life is still hard, no wonder it’s so difficult to get ourselves to exercise consistently. It’s hard work, man!

Let’s face, it, life is crazy busy and it’s easy to revert back to what feels comfortable and easy. It’s easy to dive back into habits we created subconsciously throughout our years.

That said, you better come up with some seriously strong reasons to choose training over the couch, yes?

Most of the time, people think they want to get healthier, stronger, skinnier, etc. solely because they want to look better. And you know what? There’s nothing wrong with that. When you look good, you generally do feel better. {Yes, I know there are exceptions to the rule and I know everyone has a different definition of what look good means…you get the point.}

The problem arises when your goals are strictly based around how you look – something that is partially in your control and partially up to genetics, hormones and whole slew of other things – is that it only works for awhile. And then it just doesn’t anymore.

The desire to look amazing in a bikini generally isn’t a strong enough WHY to keep you crawling back for more on the dreary days when you JUST DONT WANNA.

The right type of training for you is not only fun, it makes life easier. It allows you to make dinner while holding your 25-pound child, saves you time as you will be able to carry all of your groceries in one trip and gives you the power to lift heavy things you want moved NOW instead of waiting for your husband to do it later.

Staying fit will likely add years to your life, and also life to your years. You’ll find that you’re happier and more patient. You don’t sweat the small stuff as often. Physically, you’ll be able to play with your kids more easily and, like this member, you’ll even be able to adventure to parts of the world you can’t get to by car.

Training helps you stay present, focus on the now and create real, lasting relationships. During training many people find they can finally turn off their overactive brains and focus on the NOW. Training can be me-time and can also be time to help you connect with other amazing humans who have similar values and goals. Yup, training with the right crew will likely help you form lasting relationships with friends you’ll never forget.

Personally, when it comes down to it, I train to become the best version of myself. It makes everything else in my life easier when I’m strong, mentally and physically.

My physical strength, and the sanity I gain from exercise, guides me to be a better mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, coach and business owner.

I know many other moms often feel selfish for choosing to use time to workout instead of spending that time taking care of others, like their kids, husband, coworkers, etc. I argue that you’re actually doing your loved ones all a favor by making self-care a priority.

Just ask my husband…and even my kids. They know momma is way happier when she “does a workout” or “takes a walk”…

There are a lot of snazzy, sexy reasons to keep training consistently and then there are the days you just need to show up because you can, because it’s a privilege to be able to move your body and because you’ve taken the time to make it a habit in your life.

Instead of looking at exercise as a chore, I keep showing up because I CAN and that in itself is a beautiful thing and something we tend to take for granted.

Let’s be honest, I get stressed and overwhelmed easily, just like most of the world. It would be easy for me sit back and drink wine every night {YUM}, but knowing training and my health are more important, I choose to drink wine just a few nights a week, usually when I’m not training hard the next day.

It’s empowering to learn to choose the thing you want MOST over the things you want now. This is why you need to figure out what you want most and WHY YOU TRAIN.

Why do you train?

#WHYITRAIN #skillofstrength