How Strength Training Saved My Life
This morning as I was taking a shower and shaving my legs (#FloridaLife where you have to shave your legs every day because you wear shorts because hibernating underneath fur would cause immediate death).... anyways.
I was in the shower, and I was admiring the bruises that cover my shins.
And simply by looking down at my legs I had an "aha" moment about WHY I love weight training so much, and how strength training saved my life.
Photo Cred: Chloe Clifton for Lululemon Athletica
Just to give you a little background... I spend the majority of my day in the weight room, both for work and for pleasure -- unracking and reracking weights, lifting heavy ish, jumping on boxes, sprinting, pushing and pulling sleds, you name it.
With all of these daily tasks comes a lot of wear and tear on the bod. My shins may be bruised, my hands calloused, my toenail polish chipped from constantly wearing athletic shoes, my booty constantly sore... but I wouldn't trade my lifestyle for anything.
In fact, strength training has given me more than just a stronger, better looking body.
It gave me life.
It gave me purpose.
It saved me from my eating disorder.
It taught me how to FUEL by body for performance, rather than focus on how much I can restrict calories.
It showed me that I don't have to "exercise" solely for the purpose of burning calories, but rather "train" to beat my previous personal-best records.
It taught me that I'm capable of WAY more than I think I am.
It's given me confidence -- both in and out of the gym.
It's shown me that everyone comes in different shapes, sizes, body fat percentages... and that just because someone may look ripped and shredded doesn't mean they're healthy.
Most importantly, strength training has given me the courage to pursue all that I'm capable of pursuing. It's taught me to look at life with an "I CAN F*ING DO THIS" attitude.
If I can go into the gym and deadlift 235 pounds.... why can't I go out and talk to that cute guy?
If I can squat my bodyweight plus some for reps... why can't I have confidence to go out and ask for that promotion?
Instead of asking "why me?".... strength training has taught me to ask "why NOT me?"
It's taught me that if I work hard enough - day in and day out - I will achieve what I set out to do. It takes courage, discipline, focus, determination, a good attitude, and a willingness to try and try again when you fail, because you inevitably will.
I'm so grateful that God led me to the barbell.
That I have a sense of purpose.
And that I can share that gift and purpose to help YOU reach your fullest potential, every single day of my life.
Love you guys!!!
XO, Julie
P.S. Don't forget to check out my latest blog post: Should I be tracking calories/macros?
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P.S. Can't wait to launch my Strong and Sexy Bikini Body Program on April 1st! Send me an email (healthnutjulie@gmail.com) or leave me a comment below with YOUR email and you'll be first on the list when I release more information :)
