Fitness can be Addictive

My love of fitness started in my 20's when a former co-worker urged me to volunteer and run my first foot race. I'd never been physically active in high school, so I didn't have much of a foundation. I trained for a few months with her and  watched my body transform from the training. I was able to comfortably run the San Francisco Bay to Breakers which was a 7.5 mile race. It was so much fun! This gave me the drive to take my exercise and running to the next level. I started supplementing my work outs with weights and other types of cardio. I couldn't get enough! I stayed active and healthy and ran races for years to come.

Eventually, life caught up and I married and started a family. My running career came to a close and I did continue to do workouts, but not regularly throughout my 30's. I managed to keep my weight within my normal range, but always thought about the "glory days" of my 20's...when I was in stellar shape and had so much energy. I accepted the changes as just a normal part of the aging process, but never thought about challenging myself until recently.

After a bad bout with depression late last year, I decided to get back in the gym. It took a lot just to get in the building, that was my first accomplishment. Once I was there, I could usually muster up enough will power to do 20 minutes of light cardio (sometimes less). My big reward was the steam room after a work out, it was so relaxing. After about a month, I gradually went up in time...30 minutes, then 45. I couldn't help but notice my endurance and stamina increasing. It also had a major impact on my outlook. My depression was lessening naturally.

I decided it was time for more of a challenge, I started weight training and even tried classes that I never bothered with. I was amazed after my first spinning class, I was able to keep up without getting out of breath. I felt on top of the world at 41! This opened the door for my next challenge...a foot race. I decided to run a 5K this past President's Day. It was great! I hadn't done this in more years than I care to count. This wasn't about competition or time, just enjoying being out there running again.

I encourage everyone to go at your own pace and NEVER give up! Set your goals within reason and appreciate the small accomplishments. Exercise should be a lifestyle for all of us! The positive effects of exercise are not just physical, the emotional well being that comes with it is probably the best benefit of all. It helps clear the mind, reduce the effects of stress and combats many other types of ailments...depression, PMS symptoms, addiction, dementia and the list goes on. This is the best I have felt in years. I'm drinking the Kool-Aid and I'd like to share it with everyone!!!