10 reasons I LOVE my morning workouts!

Here is a list of things that I LOVE about going to workout every morning! They are in no particular order. Enjoy!

1. I love meeting new people every day at the gym.

It shouldn't come to a shock to you all that I love meeting new people everyday and getting to talk to them about what ever may be going on. I love that every day there are familiar faces and new ones. I can share a smile with the new people and let them know that they can be comfortable. I love making new friends, and making instant connections with people, even if it is over how insanely hard the spin class is!

2. I crave endorphins.

I have been working out daily since October. The discipline was very hard at first, but now I NEED the endorphins. I crave them. Working out makes me a happier mom, a better wife, and a better Christian. When I am toning my physical body it helps the health of my spirit. I am a happier person!

3. I love having 1-2 hours a day to myself, where the only person I have to worry about is me.

While the best part of the gym is meeting new people, I also love that this is the only time of the day where someone is not depending on me. Madison is an amazing baby and I love her more than words could ever express...but every Mommy needs a break. Even the people with the most important jobs get a lunch break.

4. When I get to meet new people it is an opportunity to share my story.

I love being able to share my story of weight loss. I am not finished yet, but I have made a great progress. I love being able to let people know that no matter how unattainable or how far away their goals may seem, they can do it. If I can do it, anybody can. But I also want them to know that it isn't an end all. I share my regain as much as my initial weight loss. I want to inspire people to reach their goals. Maybe some day I will be a trainer, or something HA!

5. Not only is it so important to share my story of weight loss, I also get to share my faith.

In the last few weeks thru our fast I have really learned how much the Lord has empowered me to reach my health goals. He has blessed me with the resources to pay for a gym membership, the determination to reach my goals, the will power to eat healthy, a husband who is so supportive, and a body that is capable of far more than I give it credit for. When I let people know that I am working toward my goals to be a healthy person in order to better serve the Lord I know that it may sound strange...but somewhere deep down, they get it. At the gym when I am meeting new people I am given opportunities to share how the Lord has changed my life!

6. Pushing myself to the limit physically shows me what I am capable of.

Those days when I finish the hardest workout I could ever imagine, or when I am taking a class that leaves me feeling totally done, I realize just how much I can do. I never thought I could complete a cycle class, but now it is my favorite class! I always said I couldn't do yoga because I am not bendy, but now I am in a class 2 times a week!

7. Madison gets to socialize too.

Even though she is only 9 months old, I know that it is important for her to get some time away from mommy! She loves going to the kid's club, and is always doing something adventurous! The other day she climbed into the playground and was headed to the slides. Crazy baby!

8. It's fun!

I have a great time, listen to fun music, and I really enjoy it! Yes I am that girl who is dancing on the elliptical!

9. My body is changing, for the better.

I was taking the Les Mills Body Pump class on Wednesday (SOOO FUN!) and I sat down to get ready to work on chest muscles, and I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I didn't even realize it was me! My arms are getting toned, my stomach flatter, legs less tree trunk like, and even my booty is looking better. I am actually happy to get on the scale to see where I am at, and when I look in the mirror I know that my hard work is beginning to pay off!

10. When I workout in the morning my entire day goes more smoothly and I am more productive!

No explanation necessary! You work out, you have more energy, you have a better day!

If you actually took the time to read this I hope it was a little inspirational and that you feel more inclined to head to the gym. It will make you feel so much better, and who knows who you might meet, inspire, or help along your own journey to a healthy life!

with my Grandparents, July 2006 (I never used to show this photo to people...yeah)

New Years Eve, this is before our fast. 10lbs gone since this photo.