Growing up, I didn’t have a fitness role model. I rode bikes with friends and went swimming in our pool. We ran around our neighborhood and had physical education once a week at school. But I never participated in any organized sports, my parents never worked out at a gym, and I never really learned the importance of staying active. Three years ago, I decided that I wanted the opposite for my kids. I wanted them to see a mom who believes in her physical strength and who challenges herself to try harder to meet her goals — not the one who got picked last for kickball in elementary school.
November 2013, I took a risk. I attended a fitness class at a local park. It was very intimidating. I had never taken a boot camp-type class. I had never lifted weights or done any sort of intense cardio beyond participating in a 5K a few months after Lydia was born (and it took me an embarrassing 48 minutes to run). But I was ready to change my life. More importantly, I was ready to be the role model to my children that I never had. Please note the insane awkwardness of the photo below. Feel free to laugh at me. It was my very first time working out with my trainers, and I had absolutely no clue what to even wear.
So over the last three years, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned that I actually love exercising, and if I get in 3-4 good workouts a week, I feel great. I definitely prefer weight-lifting to cardio, but I understand that it takes a combination of the two to meet my fitness goals. I learned that I really enjoy working with personal trainers who can correct me on my form, teach me ways to modify exercises for my body, and push me to try my best. I learned that if I’m going to track my weight, it’s actually more important to measure my body fat than it is to get on the scale. It also learned it takes fueling my body with the right foods to make gains. But the most important lesson of all? My children are always watching me. If they see me working out, having fun, reaching my goals, and gaining confidence in my performance and appearance, they will want the same as well. I can help them to establish good habits early in life. Lydia already loves working out with me at the gym. Bryce loves playing with me on the playground.
Confidence for me was never something that just happened. I imagine some people live a confident life daily and it’s all they have ever known. For me, I have worked to build my confidence. It takes dedication to making positive decisions for my life – taking care of my children, being a good wife and friend, doing my very best at work, eating well, and exercising regularly. Confidence is not my default; it’s a work in progress.
So this week, when I headed to the gym, I tried something different: I went commando. Why? Well, to be quite honest, it’s nearly impossible to find underwear that is comfortable for working out. All of that movement leads to some very awkward wedgie picking. Sorry if that is TMI, but it’s the truth. Cottonelle® with CleanRipple® Texture is designed to clean better, so you’re clean and confident enough to go commando. Let’s face it, underwear is the last thing you need standing in the way of you achieving a new personal record at the gym! Cottonelle® with CleanRipple® Texture keeps you clean so you can feel confident enough to go for your fitness goals. Learn more about the Wanderlust 108 Festival – a field day for your mind, body and soul – in Miami sponsored by Cottonelle®.
How do you inspire your family to stay active?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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