Oh, the bandwagon. For those who may be unfamiliar with the term, it's negative connotation comes from people's willingness to conform to social pressures or trends. For as long as I can remember, people have jumped on low carb, low fat, low calorie, and even gluten-free bandwagons in the attempt to drop some pounds.
Don't get me wrong, we all know I'm on a bandwagon or two. Thankfully America's health wagon has taken a shift from carb-depleted, cardio-induced thinness to strong women who eat the right foods. You guessed it, I prefer the latter.
Vanity isn't my purpose for conforming but, I am proud of the way my curves are shaping up. My bandwagon works for me. Thanks to it, I've made new friends and found new passions. The problem comes when I make excuses for myself, forget the reason I started my journey, and decide it's okay jump off the wagon. Even the bible warns about complacency.
Proverbs 1:32 tells us that fools are destroyed by their own complacency. I've teeter-tottered within the same 10 pounds lately and have lost sight of my goal. Today I'm making a commitment to hop on those bandwagons and get to work. Whichever your bandwagon might be, are you ready to reflect on your "why" and recommit?
Monday, May 18, 2015
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Ready, Set, Go!
A few days ago I got a message from a very sweet friend wanting some pointers of how to get started. My first thought was, "Wow! Someone wants advice from me?"
This message caused me to reflect and here's the advice I came up with. Look for some gyms or programs and visit a few. There are communities of supportive people everywhere. If you feel like people at a gym are staring, you're in the wrong gym! Look for a place whose members take time to encourage you.
While visiting Beatrice, Nebraska during Spring Break I found a really neat place. I had gotten very tired of the hotel's treadmill and searched for CrossFit boxes online but, they were too far. I did, however, find Jazzercise Beatrice.
I could feel the energy as soon as I entered the room. I was greeted by a very caring lady who gave me a quick tour and I jumped right in! There were women there of various ages and shapes. Owner and instructor Kristeen Thies kept the place pump'n and although, the atmosphere was very different from CrossFit, I felt right at home because everyone was working so hard. This is the kind of place everyone needs!
Here's a picture of Kristeen and I; I got to wear her St. Patrick's day hat!
This message caused me to reflect and here's the advice I came up with. Look for some gyms or programs and visit a few. There are communities of supportive people everywhere. If you feel like people at a gym are staring, you're in the wrong gym! Look for a place whose members take time to encourage you.
While visiting Beatrice, Nebraska during Spring Break I found a really neat place. I had gotten very tired of the hotel's treadmill and searched for CrossFit boxes online but, they were too far. I did, however, find Jazzercise Beatrice.
I could feel the energy as soon as I entered the room. I was greeted by a very caring lady who gave me a quick tour and I jumped right in! There were women there of various ages and shapes. Owner and instructor Kristeen Thies kept the place pump'n and although, the atmosphere was very different from CrossFit, I felt right at home because everyone was working so hard. This is the kind of place everyone needs!
Here's a picture of Kristeen and I; I got to wear her St. Patrick's day hat!
Another good idea is to find a group of people to help you stay accountable. One group that has helped hundreds of women nation wide is TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly). TOPS is a non-profit organization whose members offer support through weekly weigh-ins, goal setting, and even friendly competition. FaceBook groups can offer instant support. My favorite is Down With Dani March Challenge where creator, Danyeil Hamilton Durrant engages members in fitness and nutrition challenges all while sharing her inspirational story.
Thank you, Connie, for inspiring this post! May you find great places!
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