GAIN ENCOURAGEMENT!!

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today", so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."  Hebrews 3:13

Yesterday, in Sunday School, this verse was mentioned as we talked about being a light to those around us, just as Jesus was when he was here on this earth.   As I was rocking Harbor this morning, which is one of the best moments of my day, I was thinking about writing this blog on accountability.  The Lord reminded me of this verse, and of course, it is perfect for talking about accountability in exercise!!

In my younger years when I lived in Lubbock, my best friend, Laura and I started exercising at 5:30 am, when we realized that was the best time of the day to get it done.   No schedule conflicts, parent meetings, kids' games, dr appts....nothing, except maybe a child up sick, can stop you at 530am!!   But we committed to meet each other to go run (if wind was less than 20mph...wind chill can psyche me out big time! ha) and lift weights daily.  And when my alarm would go off, I would throw on my clothes (sometimes I slept in them), and pull on tennis shoes, and head out the door.  Btw, I am one of those weird people who doesn't untie their shoes...leave them just loose enough to get them on and off!!  A friend once gave me a wall hanging that says, "I exercise at 530am before my brain figures out what I'm doing!!  haha!!!!  But this is soooo true....you can't come up with 1,000 reasons not to hit the gym or go run.    Except that warm cozy bed when it's 32 degrees outside!! LOL!!

Occasionally, one of us would have an early appt or some reason (maybe stomach virus) that would keep us from being able to workout.   We would call each other just to say, "Hey I won't be able to make it tomorrow, but I will be there the next day."  I would set my alarm, just like I did when Laura was meeting me, but guess what???  When it went off, I would reset it and go back to bed because NO ONE was there waiting on me, expecting me to be there!!  

So I understand the value of accountability in exercise!!!  Even to this day, there are times when if I was not the instructor, I would probably skip my workout occasionally!!!  90% of time I love to workout but let's face it...there are just some days we don't want to do it!!!  And when you are just starting your new workout routine, it can be challenging.  You may be sore, and don't want to go back.    But the best way to get rid of the soreness is to jump back on that "exercise horse"!!  You may feel like everyone in class is perfect in following the instructor, and you are the back row clutz!!  Let me assure you, my friend, if everyone is pushing themselves like they should be, they are NOT paying attention to YOU!!!! haha!    

This is where your workout partner comes into play...you are to encourage each other daily!!!!  Call/text to say, "Hey, I will come by and pick you up on my way to workout!"  As brothers/sisters in Christ, Jesus commanded us to lift each other up...not tear each other down.  Even when it comes to exercise!!!  Our body is a temple to God, so what better way to serve others than to encourage them to exercise!!  That is my favorite part of being an instructor...I have done this for over 20 years, and still love seeing someone join my class for the first time, and see them become a "regular", gaining strength and confidence as each week goes by.  What a blessing the success stories have been to me through the years!!

What I love about group exercise classes like Step Extreme, TurboKick, Zumba, etc is that others notice when you miss the class.   Then when you run into them at the store, they say, "Hey where ya been?  Missed ya at workout last week!"   You will be amazed at the power in that statement to someone who is struggling in their exercise program. 

This brown-eyed girl is very competitive (if you haven't sat by me at Avery's bball games or seen me teach Step Extreme you may not realize it! ha)...but I think you can go overboard on competition when it comes to encouraging each other with exercise.   Keep it friendly, and always remember to use words like, "You are doing great, keep working hard, you will feel better when it's over".  You can definitely run a friend off if you are too pushy and competitive.  Remember, that tongue is sharper than a 2-edged sword!!  

Remember it takes 21 days to form a habit (some new research shows 66 days) but I like the number 21 since it is a product of the number 7, which symbolizes completeness in the Bible.   If you commit to exericse on a daily basis with 1 day of rest per week, I am confident you will not only feel the difference in your body in 21 days, but you will actually look forward to how much more energy you feel after you workout consistently.   But remember, if you have not been active for a few months or years, start out with a workout that modifies to beginners to prevent injury and frustration.   If you have not worked out in a year, you can't get in shape in 2 days!!  However, try it for 21 days...I bet you will notice an increase in your endurance!

So call up your BFF today, and say, "Help me get on track to being healthier this year!!"   Lift each other up, and make it fun.   Even go for a coke occasionally after workout (or maybe a tea instead! ha)!    Some of my very dear friends I have been blessed to know in these last 20 years, have been my workout buddies.  It creates a bond that is like strength training your muscles...it only grows stronger the more you work them!

Keitha Beth

"God, I come to you this morning, thanking you for Your Word that encourages me and lifts me up when I commit to spending time in Your Word.  I pray that we all spend that time drawing closer to You, Lord but I am also asking for your strength for each person reading this to commit to exercising on a regular basis.   We try to do so much on our own, Jesus, but You are the Rock and fortress we need to turn to.    When we are weak, You are strong, God.  I pray we will totally surrender every part of our life to You, and I thank You that you have promised us you will give us the strength to soar like eagles, to run and not grow faint!!  In the name of Jesus' I pray, Amen."

beachbodycoach.com/coachkeitha

 
Fun times with the Divas at BEGC!!  Great memories!!