My journey to #SAFit is more like The Odyssey than anything else. I am the hero that careens from one challenge to the next with tenacity and perseverance. The difference between me and Odysseus is that there are a few more tacos, breweries, and Bojangles visits in between my adventures. Along my #SAFit journey, I have had some successes and many opportunities to grow. I will share some of what I have learned but this journey is my own, just as your journey is your own. I encourage you to be the hero of your story. You also may want to speak with a health professional before taking any of my advice.
1. Take charge now
Somewhere along the way, I realized that I (and no one else) am responsible for my own well-being. While I am still waiting for a tall, bearded, lumberjack to sweep me off my feet and take away all of my worries, I will have to go at it alone for now. One of the ways that I invested in myself was by hiring a personal trainer. This process was daunting. I wasn’t sure if I could afford it and I was afraid of being awkward with a trainer. I also have an aversion to being sweaty around others, which is why I do not use the rec center on campus. To my surprise, I was able to find an affordable trainer at a local gym that would empower me to meet my fitness goals. My current goal is to unleash the powerlifting beast within me. While a trainer may not be best for you, find ways to invest in achieving your #SAFit goals.
2. Make an investment in yourself
For those who are wondering how I can afford a trainer on a Student Affairs budget, it’s simple. I realized that I ate out daily. If I committed to bringing my lunch to work and cooking meals at home, I would be able to afford the training sessions. The training sessions cost $20 (cash) per session and we meet about three times a week. My main concern is not whether or not he declares these cash payments to the IRS. My main concern is getting arms like John Cena.
3. Nutrition is one thing but feeding yourself is another
A lot of fitness talk is focused on nutrition. While it is important to fuel your body with healthy food, it is also important to fuel your mind. I immersed myself in literature, social media, blogs, and YouTube videos about training, weightlifting, and overall motivation. Instead of music, I will play motivational videos in the background while I work. During a workout, I listen to self-development books on Audible. I found friends who were into fitness the same way that I wanted to be. Feeding your mind with inspiration and knowledge is just as important as feeding your body. Fill your environment with things that will inspire you to achieve your goals.
4. Use the virtual for your reality
YouTube can be used for more than watching Scarlett take her tumble, puppies playing, or pre-2007 Britney Spears music videos. My gym doesn’t have a spin class–however, it does have Wi-Fi. I ride the stationary bike and watch spin classes on YouTube through my phone. There are also free training vlogs and guides available. Type your goal into the search bar and there will likely be other folks doing what you are wanting to.
5. Sign up for something…. it doesn’t matter what
It will be a motivator. Give your training your best and if that doesn’t work out, still do the event. I have never completed a training program but I have finished all of the races I have run… barely.
6. Enjoy the journey, for it is your own
I encourage you to struggle, sweat, stretch, drink water, and cry. I have done all of these, once even all at the same time during the middle of a race.
This post is part of our #SAfit series for April. With the constant hustle and bustle of our profession, we can’t forget to put ourselves at the top of our to-do list sometimes. It is essential that we remember to take time for self care and this series highlights how our colleagues work #SAfit into their lifestyles. This can look different for each of us and your journey is your own. For more info, please see Mandi Stewart’s intro post. Be sure to check out the other posts in this series too!
