Apparently, today is National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. Who knew? I swear, there’s a day for everything now! But honestly, I love it. Any excuse to reflect on the importance of fitness and inspire others works for me.
I’m part of a few online fitness groups, and the other day, my gym community—shoutout to Burn Boot Camp!—posed a simple question: Why do you work out, and what does it mean to you? It really got me thinking because the reasons have definitely evolved over time.
I wasn’t exactly a sporty kid. Growing up, my world revolved around classical music, and piano was everything. As a teenager, I was set on becoming a professional concert pianist, so I couldn’t risk injuring my hands with sports. Fitness? Not on my radar! It wasn’t until adulthood that I dipped my toes into the fitness world—quite dramatically, I might add—starting with a marathon as my first race. Go big or go home, right?
That led me into triathlon, where I pushed my limits even further and completed an Ironman. Then came the shift: I wanted to move away from my super lean, skinny physique and focus on strength. Cue bodybuilding. Yes, I strutted in 5-inch heels and a spray tan (the things we do!), but eventually, I craved something more functional. That’s when I found my love for obstacle course racing. It turns out, I love feeling strong.
At 44, with a 3-year-old in tow, my motivation for working out is different from when I first started. Back in the day, it was all about the sweat, the adrenaline, and yeah, maybe the abs. (Okay, definitely the abs!) But now, fitness has become so much more than just breaking a sweat. It’s my daily reset, my moment to focus on me in the midst of motherhood mayhem. It’s my way of staying mentally sharp and physically strong enough to keep up with my little guy.
Working out keeps me sane, and honestly, it’s my secret weapon for dealing with the curveballs life throws my way. Every rep, every mile, every deep breath reminds me that I can handle whatever comes next. And I love sharing that message with others—no matter your age or stage of life, you can still show up for yourself.
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”
~Jim Rohn
Now go get that workout in — you’re stronger than you think!