Challenge. Just reading that word is motivating isn't it? A few months ago I gave myself a new challenge - to try out yoga. I know what some of you are thinking... how is that a challenge and why would I choose that? You see, being an avid runner and strength trainer equals tight, stiff muscles. Add in over pronated feet to the mix and yoga can become your worst nightmare. These conditions along with compromised balance don't exactly make for an easy yoga session. So for me, I knew this wasn't going to be a walk in the park. And let's face it, anything new you do with your body can be challenging. When our body isn't used to an exercise, it won't come easy. However, I love a challenge so I signed up and took my first yoga class. I must say I was excited, but very nervous and anxious. It turns out, I loved it. Yes, I wasn't able to bend as far as others, but I was told that it didn't look like this was my first time. I had to catch my balance a few times (I've come a long way with my sneakers on, but barefoot is a different story!), but I kept on going. There were also times I had to mentally focus to keep holding a position and not let myself completely collapse to the ground. My flexibility and balance are two things I've added to my "to do" list for 2013.
We all should challenge ourselves. When you need that extra motivation try creating a challenge or goal that you want to accomplish. It's amazing what a motivator it can be. Just think about it. Challenging yourself to run one more mile next week, lifting one more rep, taking a new class, doing 10 more seconds of a high intensity interval, etc... By challenging yourself a little extra each time you'll see just how much easier it becomes. Maybe your challenge doesn't even have to do with fitness. For example, you may want to try out a new hobby that you're not necessarily good at. Challenge yourself to partake in that hobby and get better at it. Challenge helps us to grow. Not only physically, but mentally. I truly believe when we challenge ourselves, we make our bodies and minds stronger.
So... I challenge YOU. I challenge you to challenge YOURSELF. My hope is that at least one person reading this will create a challenge for themselves to complete by the end of the year. Use it as motivation. I guarantee you after you complete it; it won't be your last.
