Some might call me a fitness fanatic. I’ve embraced fitness and exercise for nearly four decades, working my way through myriad forms and trends: aerobics, running, power walking, indoor cycling, weight training, yoga, pilates, HIIT, and more. I love to move my body and be active and try to see my passion for exercise as one way to worship the Lord. Remembering to thank God for the physical abilities He’s given me and that I am healthy and able to stay active is important to me. Over time, things move differently; it doesn’t come as easily to me as it once did. Every time I hit a wall or become frustrated with my current abilities, I try to remember that I am still able bodied and to be grateful for where I’m at.
Running was my go-to for so long. I relished the cadence of my feet pounding the pavement, the easy rhythm of my breathing, and the relationships I built with fellow runners. But when I found myself in need of surgery to take care of a torn – the surgeon called it “shredded” – meniscus, I questioned how I’d be able to stay healthy and what I would use as stress relief. Despite my hopes of returning to running, it just didn’t happen. The surgeon removed large portions of my meniscus and vast amounts of scar tissue from damage done by the torn cartilage flopping around in there, apparently for a few years. After months of exploring new options for fitness, I finally hit on a winner.
My current obsession is heated fitness, a fusion of radiant heat, infrared energy, and exercise. I joined a local sauna fitness studio and absolutely love it. Members schedule their training sessions through an app, choosing from a dozen different types of exercise, each led by virtual instructors in a small infrared sauna that will accommodate up to three people. I show up before my appointment, crank my sauna up to 130°, then get to work.
Considering the leading comes from a screen, I find the instructors quite engaging. I have my favorites, the most encouraging teachers who infuse fun and humor into their sessions, but they’re all good. Even with different instructors, the videos are consistent. The studio has a defined brand, and several phrases used in the sessions are part of that identity. As I’ve found myself moving through each session and listening to the instructors, I’ve started thinking more deeply on several of their catchphrases and how they apply to life.
“Practice makes progress.”
Perfectionism has long been a struggle of mine. I really like the idea of swapping out the old “practice makes perfect” for this version. Progress is a much better goal, as it is actually attainable. Every day I show up to practice whatever, say exercising or writing, I can move forward and make gains. The knowledge that I’m making progress helps build a momentum that keeps me working toward my goals each day.
“Anything worth having is worth working for.”
This one is a no-brainer but so wise in its simplicity. This is actually an old quote that’s been attributed to many people in the past. But it’s meaningful because it’s true. Think back to the first thing you worked to save money for and buy for yourself as a kid or teenager. Remember that incredible feeling of satisfaction that you did that? You set a goal, you put in the work, you earned what you worked hard for. You were proud of a job well done and gained a tremendous feeling of accomplishment. It’s the same for training for a half marathon, slogging through editing a first draft, or cultivating a new habit, like getting up earlier for quiet time before the day gets the best of you. This beauty of this phrase is it can be applied to every aspect of life: authentic relationships, career advancement, fitness goals.
“Embrace the shake.”
Many of the exercises in the sauna are isometric holds. That means getting into a position and holding it for a set amount of time; it’s a stationary contraction of the muscle. Done right, muscles shaking will ensue. The shaking of muscles indicate they are nearing fatigue. Embracing the shake is about the journey and being present. The shake will not last forever, it won’t break you. You may feel near the end of yourself, but you’re not there. Through the struggle, you will grow. The point is to push yourself to failure because from failure comes the opportunity to build yourself back up, stronger and better.
“Discover your inner warrior.”
This is one of those sayings that could be difficult to understand until put to the test. When having a hard time, dig deep and unleash that inner beast to help complete your task. But life is hard, and many of us experience trials beyond what we ever thought we’d have to face. We or our friends go through unimaginable circumstances: a horrible illness or injury, the untimely loss of a loved one, or the crushing grief over unmet expectations. And we wonder, how do we keep going? We have to discover our inner warrior, the strength deep inside that pushes us to the next level. For me, my faith is the source of that strength.
“Go at your own best pace.”
Life is not a competition. We were all created as individuals, each with our own abilities and giftedness, strengths and weaknesses. I like that this mantra instructs to go at your own best pace. So while you’re doing what works for you, it still encourages best effort. I think writing can be like that, too. I am part of a delightful community of fellow writers, and we’re all in different places in our journeys. Thinking about going at my own best pace holds me accountable to continue making progress, in a way that works for me – and to give it my best.
“Smile.”
When I’m exercising strenuously, a go-hard scowl is most often what forms on my face, not a smile. But after several sessions, I decided to attempt smiling. And I realized this was actually a “fake it till you make it” tactic. My first few efforts at smiling through a minute-long plank in extreme heat had me snickering. You can trick your brain into thinking you’re having fun. Something about putting a smile on one’s face flips a switch in the brain. This got me thinking about how often I go about my day, stuck in my head over my to-do list or other concerns that have me not putting my best face forward. I’ve begun trying to catch myself frowning and flip the script with a smile. It’s amazing how much more approachable we can be to others with a smile on our face, enabling us to enjoy more human connection. Try it for yourself.
“If it doesn’t challenge you, it will never change you.”
This catchphrase is my favorite. The first few times I heard it, it was just words. But as I internalized it, it began to ring true for me. Another one of my struggles is comfort as an idol. I don’t like challenge. I feel like things should be easier than they are. Which is ridiculous, because life can be wonderful but also messy. When I try to camp out in my comfort zone, I’m not going anywhere. I’m complacent, and even worse, stagnant. To make the most of this life, I don’t want to stay where I’m at, I want to grow.
I love this mantra so much that I’ve been using it with our kids regarding their ever-increasing schoolwork loads, as well as to help propel them in their sports. And I’ve been meditating on and applying it to my writing. I’ve been slogging through an edit of an initial draft of a novel. The undertaking is essentially a massive rewrite. It has been torturous at times, challenging me beyond what I sometimes believe I’m capable of. But the process forces me to put my abilities and creativity to the test, to push past my limiting self-talk and become a better writer. Hopefully. But I’ll never know unless I take up the challenge.
Which of these catchphrases resonate with you and why? Do you have a bible verse, mantra, or quote that encourages you or helps you push through or move forward to reach goals?