I came to Aspire because I wanted to invest more intentionally in my health. I had always watched what I ate and lived a passively active lifestyle, but I knew I could do more. A conversation with a friend at church about visceral fat sparked a quest to learn more. The deeper I dug, the more all roads seemed to lead back to exercise—specifically strength training. A quick Google search led me to Aspire, and the fact that it was just a stone’s throw from my home made it an easy choice.

My secrets to success are discipline and consistency.

I have never really been a gym person, and I was skeptical when I first joined, but I figured I had nothing to lose, so I committed to giving Aspire three months.

Plot twist: I never left!

Looking back, joining Aspire was one of the best decisions I have made for my health and well-being. Whenever I take on something important, I start with an action plan. I identify the problem I am trying to solve and set clear goals—fairly straightforward.  On the days I do not feel like showing up, I grumble and then I reflect on the goals I set for myself. Just as I felt I was finally finding my footing with this whole gym thing, I underwent two unexpected major surgeries, seven months apart. Prior to that, I had never had a surgery beyond a wisdom tooth extraction.

Recovery was challenging. My mobility was severely limited, and for the first time, I found myself thinking about those whose mobility is permanently impaired. It was sobering. At the same time, it filled me with gratitude to God. I knew, by His grace, that my situation was temporary. I would heal. I would move again. With the help of this guy I know—some call him Coach Anthony—we put together a plan and got back to work.

Today, when I look at how far I have come, I am reminded that movement is a gift. I am in the best shape of my life, but more importantly, I have learned to appreciate my body and everything it allows me to do. ”I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalms 139:14

Simply moving my body has become my “why.” After all, it is the only one I have, and I plan to be in it for the long haul. I do not work out because I have to. I work out because I am blessed to be able to—but just so we are clear, I still want the abs, the arms…and the assets to match.

My fitness journey continues. I feel like I am just getting warmed up, and I am excited to keep challenging myself in healthy ways. I am stronger than I have ever been and capable of doing things I once thought were out of reach—here is looking at you, chin-ups. I look forward to continuing to set new personal bests and then breaking them.

Let’s do this!