A couple of years ago, after I had just had Riley (my 4 year old), I realized I wasn't going to retain my youthful, slender bod. So I got a gym membership and started going. I tried classes and cardio on the elliptical. However, I just didn't have a goal. Other then really wanting to get my body back. So finally I decided to try something I had never done before. Run a 5k. You have to understand, I love sports, love playing basketball and football for fun, but I regret to say that I never did sports in school. I never learned the discipline that comes from playing one. So when I decided to run a race, it was actually quite challenging for me. I started training. The day of the race came I ran it in 39 minutes. I was kind of disappointed. My husband was so proud of me. He said you did something you have never done before. So when the next year came, I adjusted, trained harder, and cut my time to 33 minutes. I learned the value of having a goal and of pushing myself. That second race felt so awesome and I felt so accomplished.
There is something about working out that makes you evaluate your mindset. You realize that you have to beat your body with your mind. Past the pain of the run, or the weight, or the exercise. You have to focus and push yourself. Something that I never really had to do. Running that race was a huge breakthrough for me, that same year I tried P90X which was amazing. So hard, but so rewarding. I learned how to eat better, how to work out different, how to push myself. So I wanted to give some advice to those of you who might be thinking about working out or losing weight. I want you to know that if you put your mind it you can do it.
1. Have a goal in mind. My goal was my 5k, it changed my life and helped me feel accomplished. So whether it is a weight loss goal, or a lifestyle change, or a physical challenge (like a race) Make sure you have a clear idea of what you want.
2. If your willing to invest financially, make sure you don't waste your time or money.
3. Pick something that you like to do. (For me running is hard, but I like it. The longer I run or the faster I run the more accomplished I feel, not to mention the cardio advantages). It might be playing a sport like basketball, rock climbing, or doing some Zumba. Its much easier to start if it is something you like.
4. Weight train. Okay so this doesn't necessarily mean become a body builder, but building muscle makes your body into a calorie burning machine. The more muscle you have the more calories you burn. I focus on my legs and do workouts for them twice a week. On off days I do arms, chest, and back.
5. Having a partner is great to. If you work out with someone and are accountable, its easier to keep focused.
6. Don't say I can't. Anybody can work out, anybody can have a goal. You just have to make one and you have to start.
After giving my brother the advice I gave him, I realized something about working out that has really changed my focus. Working out is a battle. When Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9, that we need to run as if to win the prize, that is the mindset you need to have. Even when I woke up this morning after having a couple days off I said to myself, "Man I really don't want to work out." But I got up and tied my sneakers and headed to the gym. There is something to be said about overcoming your feelings, overcoming your urge to sit on the couch and eat food all day.
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
I hope that today you can reflect on the spiritual implications of this scripture, but also the value of doing something to better yourself. God gave us the bodies we have and it is our responsibility to do the best with what we have been given. Have a great day!
