We have all heard that fitness is a lifestyle. We have all
heard that it’s not always easy and it requires a ton of sacrifices and time.
We have all heard that it is worth it.
I was the poster child for a typical young adult who goes to
college and eats whatever they want, when they want. I survived on coffee,
energy drinks, and fast food. I was guilty of letting a gym take my money month
after month while I stayed far away. I even worked at a gym and didn't go! Every now and then I would get a wild hair
and go for a week straight. During that week, I would pay attention to my diet,
my water intake, and getting enough rest. I would feel so good! So then how
come after that week, I went right back to neglecting my health?
I used to wonder why I was stuck in this vicious cycle. It
was like I knew what I was doing and I knew what I wanted to do, but I couldn’t
seem to figure out why I kept letting myself slip back into my unhealthy
habits. That is, until Chris, came into
my life. He was the epitome of a gym-goer. He was an avid runner, and he was so
passionate about eating well and working out. I was so impressed and inspired
by his knowledge and commitment. He showed me the importance of surrounding
yourself with people who support your goals.
Surprisingly enough, I was the most “athletic” person in my
friend group (which is not saying much at all). I was the one who was
interested in fitness and eating well, at least in theory. I often talked about
how I wanted to make a change and I was always so envious of people who
actually went through with it. I could occasionally get someone to go to the
gym with me or go running with me, but it never lasted. None of my friends had
the passion or interest like I did. And that was okay, for them. I wasn’t okay
with that.
Fast forward, and fitness is a huge part of my life. It has
been a little over two years since I began really prioritizing my health. I
have lost friends, and I have changed my life completely. Knowing that I have a
heart condition, I knew I needed to take care of myself. I was allowing other
people to determine my priorities, but they aren’t the ones who have to live in
this body. They aren’t the ones who have to deal with health concerns.
I didn’t know the sacrifices that came along with living
this lifestyle. I had no idea that I would lose my best friends because I chose
to stay away from bars and drinking.
Living this lifestyle does require sacrifices and hard work. Sometimes you will have to squeeze in a
workout early in the morning when it’s freezing cold outside and your bed is
saying no. Sometimes you will have
to turn down that second slice of pizza when your mouth is telling you yes. But,
I can tell you that the sacrifices start to not feel like sacrifices when
you’re finally happy. When you finally feel like you are reaching your goals
that you set for yourself so many years ago.
I believe whole-heartedly that making fitness your lifestyle
is worth it. I believe whole-heartedly that having fitness as your lifestyle is
not always easy and it does require a ton of sacrifices and time. And I know,
that fitness is a lifestyle, and it is one that I will continue to share with
Chris.
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