
Joy in Movement
Typical Story
This story may sound familiar to you. You begrudgingly make it to the gym. Don’t know what you are going to be working on you so you fumble through a few exercises. The self-conscious thoughts hit you as you do weights in the mirror and you barely break a sweat before it’s time for you to leave.
Now imagine going to the gym and actually enjoying what you’re doing. The time flies by because you are having so much fun. Wouldn’t that be nice?
My Joy
That’s exactly how I felt when I started my martial arts class at Life Time Fitness. From spring 2017 to fall 2019, I had the best time of my life. I was surrounded by amazing people that helped me shift my mindset. Getting in the best shape of my life was secondary. Every morning, in rain or shine or snow, I would make sure that my daughter and I were out of the house at 7:42 AM. I had my amazing group of friends and we would all encourage each other, push each other and since it was martial arts, we’d all hit each other. Even though the workouts were sometimes grueling and despite being out of breath from pushing ourselves to the limit, we came back every day for more.
I miss this group so dearly and truly have been at a loss ever since the group dissipated. My motivation for fitness, despite being a personal trainer and a lifelong mover, has been hard to reconnect to. I wish I would have enjoyed the company more. I wish I would have gone to one more class that I missed because of work. How I wish I could have this group again.
Lessons in Movement
It can be rare to find a movement practice you look forward to every single day, but when you do, you hold on with everything you have. You enjoy every moment of being with those people and learning from your coach. One day that group may change. People may move and your coach may go for their own dreams. That amazing feeling that you had working out with this group of people, at this time of day and in this space may not be there for you anymore.
Fitness can be so much more than just moving your body. When you love it, becomes part of you. And when it becomes part of you, it’s hard when you have to change directions.
I wish upon everyone that they can find what I found. I encourage you to enjoy every single minute that you are there, busting your butt for something so much greater than just your physical health. A movement practice can be life changing. If you haven’t found your practice yet, I urge you to keep trying. Keep searching, because your group and your movement practice is out there, waiting to welcome you in and to fill your heart up with so much joy. Fitness does not have to be something you struggle through. It can be just what you’ve been searching for.