In 2015, when my kids were 14, 16, and 19, I began to reinvent myself in the fitness industry as certified personal trainer and certified group exercise instructor who specializes in working with people ages 50 and beyond.
I am no longer a seven year-old girl. I am a 53 year-old woman with the confidence to make mistakes and keep moving forward.
As a school kid I was always picked last in sports. Gym was a special kind of nightmare. But when I started hitting tennis balls, I was smitten.
Regular exercise can increase self-confidence, relax the mind and body, and lower symptoms of mild depression and anxiety.
For me, exercise is more than how it is defined in any dictionary. It is freedom. It fights the demons and the sadness. It is a way to connect with a community.
I realized well into my health and wellness lifestyle that I was not designed to be a skinny size 2 or 4. So i decided to be what I am — a squat 5”2 with some muscle and definitely some evidence that I really like cupcakes.
My guy friends and I don’t feel the need to take 47 versions of a selfie in a bathroom stall (or while driving) before we will authorize/allow it to be posted online.
Confronting my inadequacies on the water has put me face to face with some of the same fears and inadequacies I face in life.
Frankly, and here’s where I want to slap my 20 year old self, I didn’t appreciate the luxury of being able to buy a bathing suit off the rack WITHOUT EVEN TRYING IT ON nearly enough. I mean, seriously, 20 year old self, WTF?
