Believe it or not, I am one of those people that actually like to exercise. I love the challenge, the physical feeling and the ability to often think much more clearly while I'm engaged in some form of exercise. It wasn't always that way - but over the past few years physical activity was definitely a part of my life.
However, once we moved back to Toronto from New York, not only was I getting more pregnant by the day, but with unpacking and getting ready for baby, I literally had no time to devote to keeping up my exercise routine.
That being said, I hadn't exercised since mid-april. Yikes! And of course after having a baby I was definitely in need of time to heal and recuperate. But I promised myself that at the 6 week mark (which is often the standard 'green light' time frame) I would get myself back into the gym. So on the Sunday which marked exactly 6 weeks - I went to the gym.
Now, the reason I'm blogging about this is because I know there are many people out there that have either never exercised or have but hate it or those who don't mind it but feel so far behind in their fitness goals that it feels like an impossible feat to even begin. Its those people that I want to dedicate this blog post to!
Those who see the seemingly huge fitness mountain ahead of them and run the other way. when it comes to fitness. Those who are scared and anxious at even the thought of exercising. This is for you.
After months of not exercising and the trauma of labour and delivery - I too was staring at the mountain ahead of me as I got to the gym that day. I was anxious and nervous because I had no idea how my body would do and what I was now capable of doing (or not doing). And I have to be honest, it wasn't that much! For instance, I attempted to do an abdominal crunch (which of course I hadnt done for months being pregnant!) and as I lifted my head and neck off the mat and my abs contracted, I literally felt like I was kicked in the stomach. My muscles were that weak! I couldn't even do one situp - talk about discouraging. It was actually painful. I thought... oh God, I am doomed. But I was wrong - and this is what I want you to know - your amazing body quickly and happily gets better every time we challenge it.
Because although that first day was horrible - I pressed on and pushed myself and amazingly, after just three visits, I had regained at least 50% of my ability. I couldn't believe it! It is absolutely incredible how much our bodies improve, remember and can change - even after long periods of inactivity and major trauma like giving birth! And although my activity has been haphazard, I can see a tremendous difference from that first visit till now - just three weeks later.
So my advice to you is - if you've been procrastinating or having negative self-talk when it comes to exercise - feeling like its too hard, you're too far behind or that you'll never succeed - trust me when I say - give your body a chance. I WILL prove to you how amazing it truly is. It doesn't matter what form of activity you do - just pick something you enjoy and get started! If you can just push through the first three visits - you will see an improvement, even if its small in your ability, stamina, strength, flexibility - something will change. You'll feel more confident and that will give you the incentive to then keep going. So take it from me, just push yourself to do the first three visits and then the improvements will be motivation enough to have you continue on.
So even if you feel like you got kicked in the stomach everytime you do a situp, keep pushing through and you'll see how amazing your body is and what a wonderful affect it can have not only on your body but also your mind. More confidence, clearer thought, more positive self-image - these are all things that you will experience after exercise.
Although I'm nowhere near my goals (hello baby weight!) I am slowly but surely on my way up the mountain - one crunch at a time!
Yours in fitness,
Dr. Shamira
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