Today is National Fitness Day and I would like to share with you my journey and tell you a little about what fitness means to me.
Fitness means happiness.
It’s not about how you look, it’s about how you feel. Working out, whether it be cardio or strength makes me happy and feel good. However, this has not always been the case...
When I was younger, I was the person that everybody loved to hate in the school playground. I was picked on and bullied by my peers because of my love of exercise. I was always the first out of the changing room and last back in PE lessons and whilst everybody else was talking about TV soaps, I was dreaming about being the best athletically and achieving my sporting dreams.
It took me many years to feel at one with myself and to be comfortable with discussing with my love of exercise. I used to hide it, cover up my muscle definition and lie about my achievements to family and friends. This may sound strange to many of you when we live in a society now which seemingly celebrates athleticism in both men and women.
However, we are not a lot different. Perhaps you can relate to my experience in your own way. Perhaps you want to hide your body for a different reason. This could be due to low exercise levels, negative body image, lack of confidence or other issues either physical or mental.
Many years later, my advice to you all on this special day is:
LIVE FOR TODAY - Energy makes energy. Wake up – get up – work out – feel amazing.
LOVE YOUR BODY - Fuel it, nourish it, cherish it and be comfortable and confident with yourself.
LOVE YOUR FITNESS - Have fun! Smile, laugh a lot in classes and raise a glass to you and your loved ones.
Written by Julia Gleeson - Studio Manager @ The Circle Studios