50 Shades of Fit

First off, thanks to Ashley for tagging me in this. I think it’s a cool survey for us fitness minded people! The idea behind it is that everyone’s definition of fit is different, and everyone has a fitness journey.

So-onto the questions! (Note: when I read Ashley’s post I thought there were going to be 50 questions. Spoiler alert: there are only 4!)

#1. Currently, what does “fit” mean in  your life?

I think of “fit” and “healthy” as being a bit different. I think of “fit” referring more to exercise and “healthy” referring more towards the nutrition side of things. So to me, “fit” means progress, and improvement, in exercise. But to me, it also means what I can do it everyday life-so basically how exercise translates into life. “Fit” means I can climb the stairs without being out of breath. It means I can bike uphill to class. It means I can carry 10000 bags of groceries in one trip. It means I’m strong so I can carry heavy things.

I can haul around this big guy!

#2. When did you initially get more interested in incorporating health and fitness into your lifestyle?

This is an interesting one. I’ve played softball, well, forever. Since I was 5. But in 7th grade, I got very serious about it. At the same time, I suddenly became a fast runner and PE was no longer torture to me-it was fun! (Note: I was very fast for a year of my life. I miss that-haha!) So I guess that was the first time I really enjoyed exercise. I even did track in 8th grade! When I got to high school, softball got even more serious, and I began working on getting faster, stronger, and quicker through speed and agility training, and weight lifting. When I started weight lifting, I also got a gym membership with lots of group exercise classes, and I started spin and yoga. I started getting into nutrition around this point because I wanted to fuel all my activities!

#3. What are some of your favorite ways to get moving?

My #1 favorite thing is weight lifting. I LOVELOVELOVE it, and I love the changes that come. I also think it’s the thing I’m best at. I also love spin (remember, I’m certified to teach? I always forget this!). I like running, but a lot of times I find it frustrating because I remember my former speedy days. But I’ll get there again! Running is hit or miss with me. Sometimes I love it, and sometimes I’m just not feeling it.

#4. In what ways do you inspire and encourage others to add some sort of fitness into their lives? + What advice would you give someone who is just starting their fitness journey and exploring what works for them?

I guess I don’t necessarily think of myself as inspiring, in the direct sense? But I like to think that maybe someone will see this little blog of mine and go out and do something! In terms of starting your fitness journey, I would say don’t give up, and don’t be afraid to try different things. Just don’t be afraid in general. When you first start, it will probably be really hard. But trust that it will get easier, and if you’re consistent, it will become a lifestyle. Trust the process! And don’t be afraid to try new things, or worry that you will look stupid. I know a lot of women,especially those starting out, are intimidated by the mostly male weight lifting area. Don’t be! They probably don’t care, and if they do-own it! Be badass! I don’t think anyone is going to make fun of you or think you look silly. If they think anything at all, they are more likely to be impressed. I have gotten weight lifting compliments before from random people! In summary-stick with it, try different things, and be confident!

So for this, I’m going tag the following:

Cailee@Hello Healthy Eating

Christine@Apple of My Eye

Sean@Chick Getting Fit

How did your fitness journey start?

Feel free to consider yourself tagged!