I wonder how many times I read about it before taking action. A least a dozen, probably twice that.
A Boot Camp offered at my church–I mean, really, how hard could that be?
Initially, I wasn’t as intimidated by “Boot Camp” as I was by the early start: 5:30am, three days a week.
I could never do that.
While I am a morning person, I am not an early morning person. Trust me, the difference is apples and orangutans.
But everything changed when my motive changed.
When you’re teetering toward an empty nest, you’ll have thoughts you’ve never thunk before. Deeeeep thoughts, wrapped alternately in angst or jubilation. I could write volumes on the subject, but we’ll save that for another time. Today I’m talking fitness.
Me, talking fitness. I never saw that coming….
Anyways…yes, my motive changed. I spent the month of January avoiding all sugar, added sugar, sugar alternatives (chewing gum, people…even sugar-frackin-free gum!), grains, dairy, processed foods–approximately 75% of my diet before I heard of Whole 30. You simply do not realize how much crap you eat until it’s off limits–and that’s despite me cooking five nights a week and typically having vegetables.
As a mother I think I’ve always parented with careful intention, but particularly after reading Jean Fleming’s Pursue the Intentional Life I’ve sought intentionality in all areas of my life–marriage, friendship, faith, family…and lifestyle.
I’ve got one body and the choices I make will either help it or harm it.
You’ve got one body and the choices you make will either help it or harm it.
I did not choose to attend Boot Camp or eat a restricted diet to lose weight. While I don’t have a huge weight problem, I look like I’m better shape than I am. The way I was sucking wind on the first day of boot camp – and every day since – proves it. But I made a decision to steward my body well and to do what I could to improve my health and quality of life for the duration of my days. I wish I could say honestly my motive was esteeming my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, but that’s secondary to my reasons.
Tomorrow marks the end of my first six-week session, so yesterday we checked our progress based on weight, body fat % and BMI (calculated a month ago two weeks after the start of Boot Camp).
Every stinkin’ one of my numbers went UP.
Up as in the wrong direction. Up as in I’ve gained weight instead of losing weight. Up as in higher BMI and Body Fat percentage. Right there in my church gym I asked my (fantastic) instructor if I could cuss. She laughed nervously, so I just thought ugly thoughts instead of burning her ears.
She asked if I was hormonal – Hello…I’m menopausal! – and reminded me I’ve been building muscle. She told me how her numbers haven’t changed in a year (her body is perfect) and how hormones affect your calculations. Everyone is quick to say “muscle weighs more than fat” but a pound of muscle weighs the same as a pound of fat. Remarkable, no? But I know what they mean.
This is where the rubber meets the road, though, where I believe what I profess, where I buy what I’m selling. This is where I answer the question “Am I really eating well and exercising for my long-term health and benefit or am I doing it for numbers on a scale?”
I have gotten up at 4:50am three times a week for six weeks, even after driving eight hours in two days and falling into bed at midnight in order to attend an important event for a special friend. My attendance is perfect, my form, not so much.
My clothes fit differently. I do have more energy. I have done what I’ve sworn I could never do.
Let me say that again:
I have always said I could never do an early morning Boot Camp (or any fitness thing) and I have always said I could never give up all sugar for a month and drink coffee black.
Sometimes “always” and “never” are liars.
This has been a Hard Thing for me. Not on the scale of say, fighting cancer or climbing Everest, but it has demanded commitment and discipline and doing things I don’t want to do. My spirit has felt like a child who clamps his mouth shut and refuses to take his medicine even though it will make him better.
This has made me better.
On February 17th, my friend Jessica Turner will release her first book The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You (available now for pre-order), and I can’t think of anything fringier I’ve ever done. After brushing my teeth, washing my face, eating an egg for protein’s sake, and thanking God that my body hasn’t mutinied on me yet – before I’m barely awake – I stumble out the door Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to do a thing for ME.
My husband scribbled a note on the back of a grocery list for me to find on that first day, six weeks ago–
Lawsy–looks like someone needs to clean her bathroom mirror…. #IDHTBPTBB
and when I’ve felt like throwing in the towel, it’s a little thing that has kept me going. My neighbor, Marie, brave enough to say “Yes” when I asked her to join me, has kept me going, too. Accountability is an important contributor to my success, as well as the ability to process verbally every aspect of each day’s session. Our instructor is incredible, and she has yet to structure any two days the same. (Seriously, if you’re in the middle Georgia area looking for a good cross-fit program, contact me and I’ll give you the details.)
Boot Camp and Whole 30 are natural topics of conversation–anyone who follows me on Instagram, Facebook, my blog, or you know, asks me what I’m up to in real life, knows about both. Without exception…without exception…everyone has responded the same way: “I could never do that.”
Which I absolutely understand. Been there, said that.
Believed that.
And then, lo and behold, I discovered “always” and “never” are little demons that make you believe things that Just Aren’t True.
Once you discover a motive that means something to you, you’ll accomplish the very thing you were sure you never could. Once you think you can…you can!
So, yeah…my minimal weight gain…. The slight increase in BMI and Body Fat %age….
Sure, I’m disappointed. But I refuse to be discouraged and I’m certainly not defeated…
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Because my motive is in great shape.
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First visit to your blog. Thank you for this post! I’ve been on a health journey for the last 18 month. I lost 20 pounds initially but have been stuck for the last few months. However, to quote you, my motive is in great shape! It’s frustrating but I know this is how God is going to teach me something about Himself and me. By the way, I said I could NEVER be a runner, but I have run ten 5ks, an 8k and a 10k in the last 12 months! Guess I proved myself wrong. Thanks again.
Runners amaze me. I am one of those who falls into the “not a runner” camp. So to say you’re inspiring is an understatement!
I’m so glad you found my little blog, Marian! It’s great to hear from you!
I’m proud of you, no matter what the numbers say. 🙂
{{blushes}} said one mama to the other… 🙂 xo
Here’s the unmeasurables!!
Keep on keepin’ on, sweet lady. I’m proud of you!
It may not be pretty, Richella, but it’s more than if I was sleeping til 7. Or rather, tossing and turning til 7 ;).
I’m proud of you, too! I’d love to do Boot Camp with you–just wish I lived a little closer. That commute would kill me. 🙂
I started doing yoga at the beginning of the year, which I absolutely love. Can’t wait to get to my classes every week. I definitely feel stronger and, yes, my pants have a little more room in them, but I’ve GAINED THREE POUNDS! Ugh. Soooo frustrating.
Menopause is NOT for the faint of heart.
Shelly,
Yeah…I’m afraid you’d have to get up even earlier than me (but going w/a friend makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE in the world!!) (move to Macon) (please). 🙂
I’d like to try yoga; but I’ve gotta find something convenient and non-threatening. I’m a big chicken and I have to know what I’m getting into before I start.
Man, you must be building muscle. Seriously. LET’S EAT CUPCAKES TO CELEBRATE!! 🙂
Go Girl Go!
Diane,
Come with me?? 😉
Oh my sweet friend – I am so proud of you! I keep hearing of this Whole30 thing and am seriously going to have to look into it… (you know, after Saturday! Just keepin’ it real, ya’ll!)
Keep at it! I did P90X for TWO rounds… no gains, but no losses either… inches, pounds, size – nothing. I was so discouraged (and sore!) and I gave up… I am just now trying to get back to finding a rhythm and finding that motivation that is not so connected to the dreaded scale!
And this? “And then, lo and behold, I discovered “always” and “never” are little demons that make you believe things that Just Aren’t True.” This will stick with me and shout out the lies when my motivation is lacking drive but full of Always and Nevers!
Karrilee,
I really think the older you get, the slower your body is to respond; it’s not like when we were teens and 20-somethings. That you did P90X for two rounds floors me! That was a HARD thing no matter your loss (or lack thereof).
Yes–let’s take sledgehammers to our scales! What a FUN workout ;).
Always and Never are four-letter words in my book. We need to banish them forever.
I’m super proud of you for getting up so early and doing it. Not just for yourself but your family as well.
I used to be an exercise junkie, so to speak. I would lift weights, walk 5 miles a day, eat healthy, etc. That was till my aging dad moved into assisted living and started having health issues. I need motivation to get back in the game again.
The whole 30 program, not sure if I could do that. You never know till you try!
Blessings 🙂
Whoa, Beth…you were hardcore!
But, you’re doing a good thing helping to care for your father. The sandwich generation has unique challenges that make self-care harder at times :/. Maybe don’t jump right into everything again, just what fits your altered lifestyle.
And trust me…if *I* can do Whole 30 without cheating…anyone can!!
Oh my word YES! I have so much to say, I don’t think I can get it all out. Except YES!
And I’m so proud of you for keeping your motivation. That’s the best.
Kelly!! HOLLA!
It’s weird to me, really; to not have been upset about no marked change w/my numbers (except in the wrong direction). I’ve never been unaffected by something like that, so it tells me I’m in this thing for the RIGHT reasons. That feels good all on its own. 🙂
Did you write this just for me, sweet friend? It sure feels like it! 🙂 I’ve been back at the gym 6 days a week since the beginning of the year and I’m down just 2 pounds. I feel very different, though, (especially in terms of energy) and I am doing something I have always, ALWAYS loathed: running. The real victory so far is simply doing something that I was utterly convinced I could NOT do. That scale can kiss my grits.
I giggled on your last line, Tiffany–man, I’d love to do this with you; we could talk shop :). I’m STILL convinced I can’t run distance. My knees protest even short distance (and jumps). But…maybe? I’m so proud of YOU for going SIX days/week! MWF is almost (too) easy for me, but that early wake up call keeps me from doing it more (well, my class is only 3 days/week, but I could be doing stuff on the alternate days…maybe when it’s warmer and I can do so outside).
Keep it up, friend. This is for YOU but your family will benefit, right?
Love this because the first thing I would do is curse the boot camp and go back to sleeping in. I’m so not a morning person…I love your motive. I need to adopt it. Great encouragement, Robin!
I love you so! And I’m beyond proud of you. You’re doing an amazing job and inspiring so many along the way!
I am so with you sister! Keep on working with that shaped-up motive. I routinely have to pull the slow walking horses to a halt, slide off the driver’s seat and shove my motivation back on the cart from whence it fell. . . but I think that’s still considered exercise, right? Seriously, I loved your post and can’t wait to read more.