I’ve learned the art of exercising in moderation, and let me tell you, it wasn’t an easy journey. In a world that often glorifies extreme fitness achievements, being “okay” at working out rarely earns you any praise. When I stroll into the gym every couple of weeks, the manager—who’s genuinely the kindest person—greets me with a teasing, “Great to see you again, Sarah.” I totally get it; I’ve become somewhat of a rare sight in the gym. In those moments, I felt a twinge of guilt, but not anymore. I’ve come to realize that my laid-back approach to fitness shows I’ve finally grasped the essence of staying active.
Reflecting on My Past
Let me take you back. As a kid, I was quite active, but that changed in college when I dedicated myself to another passion: smoking. Oh, how I loved it! It wasn’t just a habit; it became a part of my identity. In the ’80s, when everyone around me was smoking, I embraced it wholeheartedly. The idea of running a mile seemed as absurd as scaling a mountain. If I had tried, I would have needed medical assistance!
However, once I finally kicked the habit, I decided to explore my newfound freedom and see if I could build some cardiovascular endurance. I signed up for a five-mile race. Looking back, my first attempt was a chaotic mess. I started too fast and had to stop before reaching the first mile, gasping for air. The rest of the race was a brutal cycle of sprinting and gasping. Yet, the exhilaration I felt upon finishing was incredible—I couldn’t believe I had done it!
Learning to Pace Myself
Encouraged by that initial success, I signed up for more races and gradually learned to pace myself. With time, I found myself getting faster, but there was still one major issue: I didn’t enjoy running. In fact, I loathed it. After finishing each race, I rewarded myself with a “break,” which usually meant indulging in snacks until I felt sluggish enough to sign up for another race. This cycle was not exactly ideal.
After having children, I thought a more ambitious goal would help me shed the baby weight and keep me motivated. So, I signed up for a sprint triathlon, joined a training group, and learned about transitioning. On race day, despite battling a panic attack in the water, I performed better than I had expected. I felt strong—what a great feeling! Right after, I registered for another triathlon, but there was a catch: it was a year away. Without a nearby race, my motivation dwindled, and I slipped back into my usual comfort foods. My workout gear collected dust, and once spring rolled around, I found myself back at square one. I repeated this pattern with each triathlon, starting from scratch and realizing my enthusiasm for fitness was fading.
Embracing a New Perspective
Eventually, I stopped signing up for races. I canceled my gym membership and, yes, I gained 10 pounds. I thought I just didn’t have what it took to be an athlete. And you know what? That realization was liberating. I’m not an athlete, and I had mistakenly believed that to be “fit,” I needed to have medals and bib numbers. But I’ve come to understand that I can maintain my health without all that competition.
At this stage of my life, I simply aim to stay active and healthy. I can do that by incorporating more walking into my daily routine and engaging in activities I genuinely enjoy: attending weekly yoga classes, enjoying strolls with friends, jogging in the park when the weather is nice, and squeezing in an hour at the gym when possible. Sure, I might not win any medals or have the chiseled physique of a fitness model, but that’s not the point. I want to keep my body running smoothly for many more decades, and it turns out that doing less can be far more effective and less stressful.
Further Reading
For more insights on balancing fitness and motherhood, check out this article on Cervical Insemination. If you’re looking for at-home insemination kits, Make A Mom is a reputable option. And for additional resources on pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC provides excellent information.
Conclusion
In summary, I’ve discovered that fitness doesn’t have to be about competition or extreme measures. Embracing moderation has allowed me to enjoy physical activity without the pressure of constant performance.
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