I want to share a valuable lesson that has revolutionized the way I perceive exercise. I have been a personal trainer for decades, and like everyone else, I’ve had my moments of doubt, moments where motivation wanes and the idea of a workout seems more like a chore than a joy. But through these periods, I’ve come across a simple shift in perspective that has helped me dramatically – I started viewing exercise as a gift.
Yes, a gift. Not an obligation, not a chore, but a wonderful present that we give to ourselves each day. Just think about it. When we exercise, we gift ourselves strength, vitality, mobility, and health. It’s not something we have to do; it’s something we get to do. We have the incredible privilege of being able to move our bodies, to build strength, to improve our health, and increase our life expectancy.
So, what is the gift that you want to give yourself today? It might be the gift of being stronger than yesterday. It could be better flexibility in your joints, better cardiovascular health, or an uplifted mood. You see, every time we work out, we are not merely sweating and exerting effort; we are actually unwrapping a priceless gift that contributes to our better future self.
The beauty of this perspective is that it reminds us of the rewards, rather than the effort. Yes, workouts can be challenging and demand our energy. But instead of viewing it as a tough grind, if we can see it as an opportunity to open a new gift, it becomes a much more positive and inviting experience. It becomes a daily celebration of our abilities and a statement of self-love.
The key here is to remember that these gifts are within our control. We can give them to ourselves at any moment, and they’re not only free but also priceless. The gifts of health, strength, and vitality are not bought; they’re earned through our commitment and effort.
My challenge for you today is to ask yourself: What gift do I want to give myself? As you lace up your shoes and step onto the gym floor or hit the pavement, remember this question. Let it be your driving force. Because no matter how challenging the workout seems, it pales in comparison to the wealth of gifts you are about to receive.
Remember, workouts are doable, and most importantly, they’re gifts that we give to ourselves. The idea of working out as hard work is a mindset that we can change. It’s a work in progress, and yes, we are all human. But the key is to start seeing the priceless gifts we’re giving ourselves every day when we choose to exercise.
What gift will you give yourself today?