Physical Health: 2012

At the beginning of this year, I talked about a four "goals" for this year, all having to do with my health. Spiritual, Emotional, Physical and Financial Health are my aim and focus for 2012. Today I had a sudden motivation to work out. Now, if you don't know me, let me tell you - I never work out. In fact, I don't even remember the last time I ran, or even walked quickly... anywhere. Yes, it's that bad. Needless to say, I'm really out of shape.

A friend of mine told me that you can go online and get a free 3 day pass to work out at any 24 Hour Fitness gym. I signed up online today, and dusted off my work out clothes (it's funny to me that I even own these), got a towel and water bottle and headed for the local gym! I had to get a pep talk from my friend prior to going to the gym. I am clueless when it comes to working out. She gave me good advice on what to do and what not to do. I walked into the gym and instantly felt like everyone was staring at me. I'm sure they weren't, but I will be honest, I felt sightly insecure. Being in a foreign place, and not really knowing how things work, and what to do, it can be pretty threatening. But, I stuck it out! 

I started by warming up on the treadmill, just to get my heart rate up and my body warmed up. That in and of itself was difficult for me. After that I stretched, then did crunches, and proceeded to work out my arms and legs. I spent some time on the elliptical and then felt like I should go out with a bang: cardio time on the treadmill. I knew I would need to run a good amount, at a good speed to get an actual efficient work out. So, thankfully I had a sweet playlist made up, and I just knocked it. I covered the machine with a towel so that I wouldn't be discouraged or distracted. This definitely came in handy! I ended up running 2 miles at a pretty decent speed and didn't stop (I did intentionally slow down every few minutes so that I could keep up my endurance).

All of this to say, I am pretty proud of myself. I went into this work out discouraged and fearful, but I left feeling so much better about myself! This is not for anyone else, just me. I am responsible for my own health, no one else. I currently can't afford a gym membership, but I do have access to the outdoors, so it's my hope to be more active. Feel free to hold me accountable for this ;)

Just a glimpse into my awesome playlist.
Music definitely motivated me during my work out!

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What about you? Do you work out regularly? Do you have any work out tips?

XO

Brenda