Just Do It

I would like to take today to share a few of my failed previous get in shape experiences. The most notable of which being when I tried Zumba.

I am well aware of how I look doing Zumba, so I opted to buy the DVD's and dance it out in the comfort of my own living room. That's right. I went for the ever popular workout video. I think we've all tried them at least once.

So I pop it in, and of course this stick thin woman with a killer six pack pops up on the screen. I've always hated that they never have average sized people in workout videos. I think they put people who look like superstar athletes in them to motivate you, but I'm pretty sure they just make most people insecure. At least that's how they make me feel. Not exactly a good way to feel trying to get into a workout routine.

I pushed my feelings of insecurity aside, and tried to get into the fun Latin rhythms. I don't think I was more than three or four dance moves in before I started sweating. Of course the girl on screen was still perfectly made up with every hair in place, so me sweating so soon just knocked my confidence down another level.

A few moves later I have reached the hip roles, that I cannot for the life of me get right. I for some reason hoped that years of dancing with my friends in clubs would make these easier, but I only came to the sad conclusion that I have spent years making a fool out of myself on the dance floor.

I've been working hard, but I've finally reached that point where I feel like any second I am going to die. I pause the DVD, and there are twenty minutes left. I hit play, and walk into my kitchen to get water. Even in the other room, I hear that now obnoxious voice telling me, "You're doing great!" Even in the privacy of my own home, I'm being mocked. My envy has left me feeling very hostile towards the tiny girl on the TV. I could never compete with a girl who looked like that. I hit rock bottom, and I was ready to quit...and I did for a very long time.

The key to sticking with a work out routine is climbing the first "wall". This is the mental wall we create that tells us it's too hard to get in shape or that we can't do it. When you start feeling this way, remind yourself that it can be done! You only have to resolve that you will not give up this time.

What I hope readers take away from today's blog is this: it's not a competition. You are a beginner, just like everyone is at one point or another. It will take hard work to get to where you want to be, and you have the strength to get there! Push through the weakness, and just do it!