"Come As You Are"
I might be dating myself by titling this blog after a Nirvana song, but sometimes I wonder if any truer lyrics have been spoken. They relate to all aspects of life, but for the sake of time, I will keep it to fitness. Starting an exercise program is never easy. There are always hurdles, both real and self-imposed, that prevent us from starting as well as preconceived notions of how we are supposed to be. We are supposed to be the weight we were when we were in high school. We are supposed to be able to bench press as much as we did in college. We are supposed to always be as quick as our fastest mile. These notions are whimsical. They are just that, notions. The best thing that we can do is just show up as we are. Excited, eager, nervous, and intimidated. These are all normal emotions to feel when starting to exercise again or starting to exercise for the first time. Showing up as you are without judgment on yourself for where you are or where you think you should be is the hardest part of the journey. Putting your trust in the hands of a trainer or fitness program is not easy. It requires vulnerability and the ability to put trust in the process. It takes time, consistent effort, a lot of sweat, and maybe some tears, but it will work.