We all know getting fit isn’t just about numbers on a scale or clothing sizes. Transformations brought about by healthy lifestyles (both diet and exercise) take many interesting and heartwarming forms as these changes begin affecting nearly every facet of our lives.
Many women who enter my little gym for a first time workout are often clad in boxy, concealing (mostly non-athletic) clothes. But over time, I see them blossom and after a month or so of consistent workouts, the baggy tee shirt becomes a more form-fitting one, new athletic shoes appear, and a smile greets me with every workout. Why? Because getting fit not only releases endorphins and pheromones that can affect mood and energy levels; it also affects confidence levels in ways so gratifying, I can’t even begin to describe it to you.
“I’m wearing almost everything I haven’t worn in years,” says one client who loves fashion. “I thought for a long time I’d never be able to wear some of my favorite pieces again, and now I have an entire closetful of clothes to choose from!”
One of my more senior clients wanted to get fit because she was beginning to feel age truly take hold – she had trouble walking very far and was shocked that she couldn’t even carry a 5 lb. bag of groceries from her car to the house. After all, no one – at any age -- wants to begin to think of herself as “frail.” So I started her on an exercise regimen that improved her upper and lower body strength, addressing some her core issues that affected balance and flexibility. Now she is shocked over how fit she feels. Does she still hate planks? You bet. But she wouldn’t trade that frustration for a snapshot of how weak she once felt. Now she carries bags of groceries much larger than 10 lbs. and brags about it.
Another of my clients thought she’d just trim down enough to zip up her wedding dress more easily when that special day came. And she did. But the kudos she received from her fiancé/now-husband were all about how much sexier she is to him because of how her newfound confidence has spilled into other areas of her life. Friends and family showered her with positive comments as well. So instead of ending her workouts after the honeymoon, her goal is to make her exercise regimen a priority. I’d call that a win-win scenario…
I’ve had many a client tell me after several months of consistent workouts and a healthy diet change that they’ve been able to get off blood pressure meds or avoid taking “statin” drugs for cholesterol. Others say the boost they get from it is something they don’t even realize is happening until they look back on their day and remember what life used to be like before exercise. It stands to reason that when your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you’ll have more energy to go about your daily chores and opens you up to all kinds of physical possibilities.
Are you struggling to fall or stay asleep? Don’t stare into a tiny screen hoping your eyelids will grow heavy! Many of my clients report that the night after a good workout, they drop off to dreamland faster and their sleep is deeper than ever before. Well … okay. Maybe a 5-year old sleeps a tad deeper…
The bottom line on exercise and physical activity? It’s a great way to feel better, gain health benefits, look better and even have more fun. And once you “buy into” the idea that what you eat and how much of it you eat makes up the rest of the story, you’ve got a magic combination for all kinds of smiles-to-come in your life. I’m just here to help. Oh yeah. I do love helping you achieve those confident grins…