I get really excited about various accomplishments at the gym. For example, the other day I was able to deadlift my body weight plus about 10 lbs. Last summer, I had a max front squat of barely 90 lbs. Last week, I did 30 reps at 95 lbs like it was nothing. Of course, when I get excited about these accomplishments, I immediately post them on social media. My hope in doing this is not to brag about what I can do, but to inspire others to push their limits. I think a lot of people look at these posts and think, “She’s super fit. I could never do that.”
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| I have come a long way |
Five years ago, I could barely get up and down off the ground. I could barely walk a mile, let alone run. Walking up the stairs left me gasping for air for 15 minutes. I was desperately out of shape. So much so, that just getting through my daily activities was a challenge. I had chronic back pain. In fact, there were times that it completely locked up and left me immobilized for a day or two at a time. I had all the excuses in the world to not exercise, even though I knew in my head it’s what I needed. I had studied health and fitness. I read all the studies. I knew, but I didn't really believe it was possible.
Sure, I would try to go for a walk. Every once in a while I would throw myself on an elliptical machine and think I was getting a really good workout. It wasn't enough, and I knew it. Like I said, I had all the excuses. No time, no money for a gym, my back hurt, other severe health issues, etc. However, I found two reasons to start: my boys. I didn't want them to suffer the way I was. However, I couldn’t do any activities with them. Even playing catch or going for a bike ride was too difficult for me.
Once I made the decision to get into the gym, I gave it my all.
In the beginning, it wasn’t very much. I could barely do a burpee. A few sit ups, a few push ups and a half mile walk and I was exhausted.
I kept going. Every day, I kept going.
I was there at least 4 days a week in the beginning. I’m not going to say that it started to get easier, but I will say I got better. I still worked just as hard. I still put in the same exact effort. However, I could now do more burpees, more sit ups, and instead of walking the half mile I would actually run part of it. Pretty soon, I ran all of it. Then, a whole mile. Then, 3 miles. Eventually, I ran a half marathon. My fitness level has increased exponentially in the last few years. That didn’t happen on it’s own. I didn’t wake up one day being able to all of a sudden do 50 burpees. It took a decision every single day to put in the effort.
The thing that makes me even more excited than my accomplishments at the gym, is watching other people make that same decision every day.
My job, my passion, is to take what I did and help others do the same. To watch someone who couldn’t get up and down off the ground do a modified burpee gives me great joy. To see someone who couldn’t row 100 meters, go for a whole mile is amazing. Someone that comes in for the first time in pretty good shape, but then does a pull up for the first time is just as exciting. My favorite words to hear are, “ok I’ll try that” or “I can do that.” I love seeing people show up every day and put in the effort that gets them results. Those people inspire me to do better and keep going. We all start at different places. We all have different strengths and weaknesses. We also all have the ability to overcome the weaknesses and make progress every single day.
All it takes is a decision and daily effort.
We are very proud of our gym. We are proud at what we have created with No Limits Fitness. If you want to be part of our gym family we would be honored to help get you started.
If you are ready to start or continue your journey then come on by for a free class and see what we are all about. Who knows. You may just change your life. Shoot me an email if you have questions. I honestly and truly want to help....
Gidget Blunt, Co-Owner, No Limits Fitness
