I hate working out. I don’t care what people say, it doesn’t get easier for me. After 21 days it doesn’t become a habit for me, it doesn’t make me feel good during or after, quite frankly it is miserable and I detest it.
But I know I have to do it. I have been heavy most of my adult life due to health problems, and once my chronic illness hit its worst, I gained even more weight. I won’t tell you how heavy I am, just know I have no business being this heavy at my height.
Working Out
I am not a doctor, never have been. So any comments, suggestions, etc should be discussed with your doctor before trying anything new.
So, I started fasting, eating healthier, and yes working out.
I will admit, I do feel less bleh in general and I sleep better…mainly because I’m exhausted. But I trade off because my joints hurt like no one’s business some days.
Now, you may be asking why I do it if it makes cranky. Well, I deal with the torment of working out for a few reasons.
Reasons I Work Out
One, I have greatly abused my temple. Our bodies are temples for the Holy Spirit, and bless my soul, not making fun, the poor Spirit must be crushed. I’ve abused the great thing God gave me and I’m trying to repair it now.
I am doing it for my husband. He wants me to live a long life. Plus, I want to look my best for him. I feel like he hasn’t really had me at my best physically, he loves me as is, but I want to do my best to look attractive for him.
I want to feel attractive again. Yes, confidence is key and we should love ourselves. However, being my size is not attractive to me and it is not healthy no matter what society tries to push on us. Yes, there are exceptions, but I am not the exception.
Plus, the world is getting rough, between natural disasters, riots, economic instability, there may be a time where we may need to be healthier so we can move around easier, to help our immune system to help prevent illness, etc.
Besides being ill there were other reasons I wasn’t moving around. The main one being laziness and the second being, I don’t like being uncomfortable. Who does?
Being Active
I’ve always had a problem with exercise. I hate the treadmill and staying inside to workout. We workout the same body parts and it’s boring and it’s painful. I’ve always had an interest in natural movement and losing weight like women did before. Many of them stayed thing because they worked hard in the home.
That worked for me for a while. I stayed busy pretty much all day everyday nearly moving 10 miles a day between work and taking care of my home. Unfortunately that is no longer feasible. So I’ve been doing the dreaded workout.
I had to stop making excuses and telling myself I didn’t have time. I had to stop making excuses saying I couldn’t. I had to stop the excuses in general. So, one day I just started doing it. I force myself to do it at least 4-5 times a week.
Unconventional Workouts
Days I’m too sore or not feeling good I may skip or I may do something light, but I move. Housework is also a workout. I like to do things the old fashioned way so sometimes I may do a little extra.
- Wash laundry by hands
- Wash the floors on your hands and knees
- Scrub the microwave and stove (we know what kind of chore that can be)
- Wash the windows
- Move furniture and vacuum/sweep under it
- Beat the rug
- Wash your car
- Prune the garden
- Clean the attic/basement/closet
We were meant to move, we were meant to work, and we make excuses on why we don’t and it really does hurt our health.
I would say find something you really like, but I won’t lie, I haven’t found too many things I actually enjoy. I enjoy walking, that’s about it, but I make myself do calisthenics, stretching, and lift weights.
I know, I sound like a negative nelly, but I kind of want people to understand if you seriously despise working out…you’re not alone.
Push Yourself
But pushing yourself can be satisfying. Like the time my husband and I went hiking and decided we could totally do the 7 mile trail. We did, buuuuuut, we were in horrible pain afterwards, but walking through that pain was so satisfying. Could I walk the next day? Not really, but it is fun to see yourself grow and to see what you can do.
My point is, we take care of our homes, our husbands, children, other friends and family, the community, and that we need to take time to take care of our health.
And if you can’t do it for you, do it for God, rebuild that temple. Do it for your spouse, be beautiful for them, live long for your family. Do it because you want to see what you’re made of, whatever it is, find a reason.
If you don’t have a reason that has some kind of meaning to you, you won’t be able to do it. Trust in God’s strength to help you and find that reason that pushes you!
Over the next couple weeks I will be sharing some free resources with you, just in case you’re interested in your own little health journey!