Have people ever made assumptions about you? Here’s one people often make about me: Being a fitness instructor, people generally assume I’ve always been into fitness. They think I must love to run. P.E. was probably my favorite class in school. I probably was on several sports teams. And oh-- I never eat dessert. All of those things are not true! I’ve never liked to run, and since we did a lot of that in P.E, that class was one of my least favorite subjects in school. I have never been on a sports team. I tried out for my middle school basketball team once but I didn’t make it. And I love food--all foods--especially dessert. I eat dessert every day!
When I was a teenager I thought working out was about losing weight, only eating salads, and trying to look like someone else. Boy, was I wrong! Here’s what I wish I knew about health and fitness as a teenager and what has led me to become the fitness instructor that I am today.
Working out is supposed to be fun! If you’re not having fun in your workouts, find another workout! Exercising does not have to be boring or tiring or hard. If you don’t love working out, try new things until you find something you do love. Maybe it’s yoga, pilates, basketball, dancing, walking your dog, running, basketball, swimming, weight lifting, biking, rowing, climbing--the options are endless. Exercise is meant to be fun so make sure you have a smile on your face while you’re doing it!
Exercise doesn’t have to be about weight loss. Forget about what you look like. There are so many other benefits to exercise. Exercise makes you happier, reduces your stress, builds your self confidence, and improves your health. Exercising will help you feel more relaxed, help you sleep better, increase your energy, improve your mood, and help you feel stronger and more capable to conquer all the other challenges life throws your way. Stop focusing on the number on the scale and start focusing on how exercise makes you feel! Changing your focus will make the world of a difference in your health.
It’s OK to rest, too. There was a time in high school I became very diligent with my workouts. I didn’t want to miss a day of working out which meant even when I was exhausted from all the schoolwork I was doing, I would still get my workout in. Even if it meant sacrificing my sleep to do it. That was not healthy! Exercise is ONE way you can honor your health but it’s not the ONLY way. There are many aspects of your health that deserve your time and attention and focus to improve. It’s OK if you spend your energy on a different aspect of your health. Sleep, mental health, social health, intellectual health, spiritual health--they’re all just as important. Resting also gives your body the chance to recover from the hard work you’re doing throughout the week. Don’t feel like you need to workout everyday to reap the benefits of exercise. Part of exercising is also learning how to rest. Your body can only handle so much during the week. Listen to your body. If it’s telling you to rest, don’t be afraid to do it!
I can’t wait to work out with you all at BBY! Get ready to reap those positive benefits of working out! And remember, exercise is about having fun...so in the meantime, find something you enjoy and go do it!
Much love,
Brianna