1. Real women have muscles.
2. You did whatever you had to to get to the gym. Kids in childcare, got work done, fit it into your schedule, even changed your clothes. Now, make it worthwhile. Work hard. Make your work-out efficient by pushing yourself harder, lifting more weight, jumping higher.
3. You will never grow big fat hairy muscles- I promise! Women do not naturally have the hormones needed to grow big or hard muscles. AND, I’ve seen you out there, lifting 2 {8 lb} gallons of milk, carrying 60+ lb children {on one hip}, shuffling arms-full of books and groceries {TJMaxx bags and antiques-ahem}… don’t you dare go into class and choose those 3 lb weights {unless you are brand spankin’ new to the gym}.
4. When you are starting to feel fatigue and discomfort {c’mon now… it’s not REALLY “pain”-birthing a child-THAT’s pain}, that’s when you are starting to change your body! That’s where you are becoming stronger, more flexible, more endurant. Don’t give-up then.
5. Do as many as you can. Then do one more.
6. Leave your comfort zone. If you stay where it’s comfortable, you will never change your body. Take your squats a bit deeper, stand taller, run faster, hit harder, lift more, swim farther, take longer strides, do more.
7. Begin to see exercise as a ‘reward’. Reward yourself with an extra yoga or pilates class, an evening walk, a game of tennis with a friend. It IS a good thing; start to see it that way!
DOUBLE-DOG DARE: When you begin to feel fatigued or defeated, let these thoughts run loose in your head! Remember these things; they are all true! Be good to yourself!
*****
PHOTO CREDITS: First two photos are taken from the Les Mills website. Less Mills classes are high energy, FUN, well choreographed classes. There are Les Mills classes in weight-lifting, step, cycling, yoga, combat{kickboxing}, and more. Find one in your community and try it! You’ll never look back!
The following four photos are from lilit at flickr. Her pictures are amazing! Thanks for letting me use!
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