Connecting with Your Why

When I began my fitness journey in 2012, it was because my cousin asked me to be in her wedding. Like most women when asked to be in a wedding party, I wanted to be in better shape for my bridesmaid dress.

As I've mentioned in previous blog posts, before this, I despised the gym. I found working out to be boring and only did so because I knew it was good for me.

When I kicked off bridesmaid mode, I decided to try something new, and take group fitness classes.

I didn't like walking on a treadmill and lifting weights (as I said in a recent post, all the exercises I knew went out of my brain when it came time to lift) on my own. Time seemed never ending, so I decided if I was going to commit to getting fit, I needed to mix up my exercise routine.

As I quickly discovered, group fitness classes were exactly what I needed to get my butt to the gym if I was going to be in shape for the wedding.

As time went on, my why shifted. Yes, I was getting in shape for the wedding, but going to the gym became more than just that.

I began to become intrinsically motivated to exercise.

I exercised because...

- It made me feel strong

- It made me happy

- It boosted my confidence

- It helped me de-stress

- I gained a fitness family

- It helped install healthy habits in other areas of my life

- of the feeling of accomplishment after persevering through tough workouts

Whenever I am in a space where I'm struggling to go workout, I connect back in with my why. I think about why I started this journey in the first place. I reflect on all the reasons why I exercise.

Why do you exercise?

Next time you're struggling to get your butt to workout, think about how you will feel afterwards. The next time you feel like giving up during a challenging workout, think about the consequences if you give up.

Most importantly, in these tough moments, connect with why you started. What got you to the workout in the first place. Why you began your fitness journey.

Xo,

Elizabeth

What's your Why?