Ouch

So I tried one of Billy Blank's special series yesterday, called "Focus on Abs and Glutes." Today I'm having trouble sitting AND breathing. :0) I mean, I knew I was not as in muscular shape as I was before being pregnant, but I had no idea. I had no idea such muscles existed on the sides of my legs....nor did I realize that my obliques wrapped around my middle quite that far. Wow. I think I will hold off on the crunches today and just stick to a powerwalk outside. I don't think my muscle fibers will stand up to more so soon.

Billy Blanks is quite a motivator. Though it appears as if he never once took a public speaking course in school, and even though his eyes are a bit harried and even a little bit freaky as they bore through you by way of the television screen, something about him makes you want to go, "Look at me, Billy! I'm doin' it! I'm trying! I can do it! Yeah! That's right!" You imagine that you're actually "kicking" his palm as he stretches his hand out in front of the cameras as a target. He bends down and leans in repeatedly to tell you that there are just a few more reps....just a few more. "Reach inside and pull out all of your strength you have left. Don't be a quitter. You can do this!" he yells, yet somehow retaining a subtle gentleness in his voice.

I don't know about you, but sometimes I need motivation like this to keep exercising when it hurts so much I'd rather go throw myself headfirst into a brick facade (hmmm....it may hurt less than this does at the moment). I need someone to bend down and lean into my face and tell me to keep going....don't stop....reach up for the "higher power." I need friends to tell me that this, too, shall pass, and that God is still there giving me His reserves of strength. I need reminders that earthly pains are temporary, and that if I continue working and striving to be more like Christ, I will build up my spiritual muscles and become more "fit" for the next episode that threatens me.

I would not exercise as often, much less as strenously, if I had a powder-puff instructor, or even no instructor at all. Though I am higly self-motivated, I am also good at making excuses and finding other things to distract me. I need accountability.....we all do. Those who love us enough to push us onward through the storms, and who provide a warm towel, a dry wardrobe, and ears to listen when it is all over with.

Comments

Anonymous said…
words i needed to hear today. i think sometimes when situations come about we think what a long road we have and we soon forget that "this too shall pass". thanks for the reminder that you have given.
10:00 AM
ken said…
I'll take that challenge and try Billy's routine with you.
11:57 AM
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