Work as Hard as You Choose

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One of my favorite things about living here is our gym. It is nice and big and has a ton of classes to choose from; two of which I've been going to for over a month now. On Mondays, Wednesdays and sometimes Fridays, I go to Spin Class. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I go to Weight Training class. One of the best things about these classes is that I've been able to meet some really nice ladies. It's been nice meeting more people outside of work that know my name and that I'm able to talk to in my classes rather than being an awkward wallflower.

I heard one of the best "exercise mantras" the other morning in Spin Class and I just have to share it with you all because I found it really helpful in my workouts.

"Work as hard as you choose"

What? That's it? I know, it's not something that makes you go WOW, but read it again and think about it. "Work as hard as you CHOOSE." Most of the time we hear, "Work as hard as you can", but when I hear that, it automatically gives me an excuse to stop before I hit my maximum effort in a workout. I immediately think, "Okay, well this really hurts, so I'll back off just a tid bit". But after hearing that I need to work as hard as I choose, that has completely changed how I've pushed myself this week.

When I used to do the Chalean Extreme videos, she always said to go until you hit failure. What she meant was go until you absolutely can NOT go any further, push any harder or complete one more rep. That way, you know you're pushing your hardest.

And I suppose that's what it means to work as hard as you choose. When you're working out, you need to choose to push harder, go farther, get stronger. There are some days where I want to piddle on the elliptical and not break a sweat, but that's a waste of my time. If I want to work out and change my body, then I best work as hard as I choose and hit my failure point every time where I cannot possibly work any harder!

I encourage you all this week when you're exercising to push yourself as hard as you choose. Push until you hit failure. Push until you absolutely cannot go any faster, harder, farther, heavier, etc. Just do it!!

And if you struggle getting yourself to the gym or just getting active, then I encourage you to wake up one morning and make the choice to get moving. Pray about it, set your alarm early, get moving and work as hard as you choose. You can do it. All of you can.

I love each and every one of you and pray you have a lovely and active day!