Fitness Struggles: Why the Hardest Part of Getting Fit Has Nothing to Do With Exercise Fitness

I work out for a living, so I have to show up. But I am here to tell you there are days when I am exhausted, and the thought of exercising and motivating others is overwhelming. I just got through three weeks of a six-week session, and every day I showed up because I know that once at work, I will start to feel more motivated.

My advice to others struggling to find motivation is: half the battle is just showing up. Just go. Even if you think it will be the worst workout ever – and it might be. But 99 percent of the time, you will notice that once you get moving, it gets easier. Seriously!

Photo: Picture of me "showing up" after a brutal workout. 

That runner's high you hear about? Most of us feel it only after a couple of miles because that is when endorphins are released (OK, much debate over this, but something good happens)! Every time I run, my body at first feels like I have heavy rocks in my shoes. Ugh. But once I really get warmed up, it begins to be enjoyable. Same is true during workouts – whether it is walking, treadmills, strength training, swimming – your body feels better once you get going.

During my classes, I always feel better and more energetic about halfway through the hour-long workouts and I say to my groups, "This is when I start to feel the energy! Do you feel it, too?" And they usually laugh and groan, but I see it in how hard they are working.

The point is, just show up. Your body will thank you, you will sleep better, make healthier food choices and the ripple effect happens. You will be living your best life. Just show up.

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