G is for: Explore the Gap : A Fitness Journey

My daughter and I recently started a free 7-day trial at a nearby fitness gym. Our first visit to the gym involved a sit down with the manager/owner of the franchise. He was great at his job and asked us a series of question intended to help him learn where we were at in our fitness journeys. These questions were among those he asked. I’ll share some of my answers.

What are the biggest obstacles?

Pain is my number one obstacle to fitness. I have rheumatoid arthritis. Part of my treatment for over 4 years was prednisone, a steroid notorious for causing weight gain. That combined with an actual fear of moving (because it all hurt) added up to me being in the poor shape I’m in, now.

My plan for dealing with this obstacle is to try not to overdo it, particularly with my hands and feet. So, the weight machines, elliptical machines, and stationary bikes are fine but I’ll be ignoring the stair steppers and treadmills.

What are the barriers to fitness success?

Finances are one of the barriers to finding a fitness gym that will work for us. Gyms are expensive! Even the “budget gyms” have fine-print fees that can potentially raise the cost beyond my budget. They can also be confusing. Some gyms lock you into a contract, while others don’t. Various price points will determine what amenities you can use you. All of this is fair, but still…confusing. One of the things I’m doing as I visit various fitness gyms is to get a clear picture of the various package prices for each gym. We’ve also had to decide that this is a priority that’s worth the expense.

Where is there most resistance to fitness?

Lack of motivation is always a huge source of resistance. The greater your resistance to change, the greater your motivation will need to be, in order to overcome it (and vise-versa).

My daughter and I both need to get into shape, so we decided to join a gym together. We each have our own individual needs in a gym. She would love to have a pool. She’s easily bored by the machines and her asthma makes cardio difficult. I couldn’t care less about a pool and I love the machines. I’ve already seen her motivation wavering, so maybe a pool would be worth it. We will have an opportunity to try a gym with a pool in the near future.

What are your greatest fears related to fitness?

I have such a long road ahead of me to get back in shape. That in itself is a major source of resistance. Not only will I have to run an obstacle course, but I will have to keep running it as a marathon. How’s that for a mixed metaphor? I’m afraid of failure, yet again. I think this fear is a common reason why people never even start doing something challenging.

All of this exploration of the gap between me and my future, healthier self has helped me to get a clearer picture of what I need to overcome, and the benefits of doing so.

UPDATE

I wrote this post in January 2019. a month later, I joined Planet Fitness. It had a plan at a price I could afford, and I don’t need a lot of perks. I’ve found that going with my daughter or my husband keeps me motivated. It is like having an accountability partner. I have to use caution due to chronic pain issues, but I’ve found that overall, a moderate workout really lifts my spirits and helps my energy level.

The A to Z Blogging Challenge

I’m doing double duty this month during the A to Z Blogging Challenge. Here at Heather Erickson Author/Writer/Speaker, I will share ideas for “Thinking Creatively.” I’ll also be doing the challenge at Facing Cancer with Grace, where I will focus on “Avoiding Burnout.” I hope you’ll visit me at both sites. While you’re here, sign up for my email list. Today’s post is G is for: Explore the Gap.

The gap is the space between where you are today and where you want to be. Filmmaker Jane Campion once said, “If you can stand in the space just for a little while, a new door will open.” So reflect on a challenging situation you’re facing.

• What are the biggest obstacles?
• What are the barriers to success?
• Where is there most resistance?
• What are your greatest fears?

Which obstacles are you facing?

What Are YOUR Thoughts?

I’d love to hear in the comment section, below. I appreciate my readers as well as the writing community. To show that appreciation, I use Comment Luv. Just leave a comment below and your latest post will get a link next to it. Thank you!

About Heather Erickson

I am an author, writer, and speaker and homeschooling mom of 3. Since doctors diagnosed my husband, Dan with stage IV lung cancer in 2012, I’ve focused my writing and speaking on helping cancer patients and their families advocate for themselves and live life to the fullest, in spite of their illness. My goal is to help people face cancer with grace. My books are available at Amazon.com:

The Memory Maker’s Journal 

Facing Cancer as a Friend: How to Support Someone Who Has Cancer

Facing Cancer as a Parent: Helping Your Children Cope with Your Cancer

I also blog about living with cancer at Facing Cancer with Grace.