What’s Your “Why?”
Why do you work out?
For me, it used to be so I'd be as lean as possible and avoid weight gain at all costs. You know, "to be healthy." 🙄
(P.S. If you're new here, thin ≠ healthy!)
Then it was so I could improve my athleticism and strength to get better at BODYATTACK and have more longevity as an instructor.
Now?
I train to be as mobile and strong as I can, for as long as I can.
I train so I'm strong enough to control my very strong and sometimes very stubborn dog on walks (and also win every game of tug of war).
I train so that when I'm older, I'll hopefully maintain the ability to navigate through an airport with my own bags or walk from a parking lot through the stadium and climb up to the cheap seats without assistance.
I train so I can get outside and confidently climb literal mountains without worrying that my body won't let me.
I hiked almost 10 miles with a friend this weekend, which was about 4.5 miles longer than we'd planned but also exactly as long as I needed.
The very beginning and very ending of the hike was a short, steep trek down to a waterfall and back up.
As we were slowly climbing up at the end of a full day on the trails, there was a family making its way down: three little girls with tutus and a lot of excitement, their mom, and then further up, the grandparents.
They called down to their daughter and granddaughters to go on without them to the waterfall, that they were good where they were and wanted to get a head start on climbing back up.
As I passed them, I overheard the grandmother telling her husband he could go on to the falls if he wanted, that she'd wait and he didn't have to miss it on her account.
That's why I train: so I can do everything in my power NOT to miss out on things in my life.
Now, I've been dealing with an injury for the last 6 months. I still can't run or jump because I still can't push off or land on my ankle, so I know things happen even when you do "everything right" with training, sleep, and nutrition. And I know many people are dealing with chronic illnesses and pain and health issues that prevent them from ever doing many physical activities.
For some people, their why might be gaining the ability to get on and off the ground to be able to play with their grandkids, or becoming more steady on their feet, or simply improving their health so they can be around for their families for as long as possible.
When I meet with a new client, in each initial consultation I ask: "What made you take this step? And why now?"
In other words, what drives you? What motivates you? What's going to be in the back of your mind, helping you put in the effort and make the sacrifices even when you'd rather not?
A number on a scale is not your "why."
A size on a clothing tag is not your "why."
A certain body fat percentage is not your "why."
Even a certain number of pull-ups or amount of weight lifted or race time is not your "why."
Whatever your goal is, ask yourself why it's important to you and how it's going to improve your ability to live the life you want.
You might discover that it's actually not, that it's just something culture or your family or the media said you're "supposed" to want.
Or you might be able to uncover the deeper motivation that will re-inspire you to keep working toward your goals.
I want help you live your best, most full life -- whatever that looks like for you.
Get in touch for nutrition coaching or in-person personal training. I have some extra spots available in October & November! Schedule a time to chat here.
