I've mentioned this in a previous post, but for the past 77 days (plus some because I have to count the Sunday "rest days" in the past 3 months), I have been following a workout program called 80 Day Obsession by Beachbody. I wanted to dedicate some time today to write about the things I have learned over the last 77 days.
For starters, I have NEVER been able to commit to a consistent workout program for this long before, ever. In the past, I've done programs that last maybe 3-4 weeks, max. But usually I get bored and want to switch it up, or I travel and that throws things off, or I get sick and that throws me off and I have to start over from scratch after taking a few weeks off. Well, this time has been different. I'm proud to say that I am 3 days away from completing the ENTIRE program, and it has been an amazing journey for a few reasons:
1) I'm stronger and fitter than I have ever been before, in my entire life. This includes my fitness level after having run and trained for multiple marathons and half marathons. This program has blown it all away. I can do more push ups, squats, lunges, tricep push ups, burpees, you name it...and lift heavier weights than I have ever been able to do before in my life (and no, I don't look crazy bulky or big, if that's what you were wondering).
2) I'm not at the lowest weight I have ever been in my life, BUT, I feel stronger, fitter and more in shape than even when I was at my lowest weight. The numbers on the scale do not tell the whole story. The measuring tape can show something very different -- lean muscle is an amazing thing.
3) I have learned what it means to be disciplined when trying to achieve a goal. There have been days (many in fact) over the last three months where I have not wanted to work out. I have been tired, or stressed, or busy, but the fact is - I have remained dedicated to achieving my goal of finishing the program. I have learned that no goal is attainable if you are willing to give up on yourself. You have to JUST GO and do it. I have also learned that the disappointment that I would feel in myself for letting myself down is worse than just getting it done -- because as long as I am capable, I always can go and do it.
4) Strength is more than just muscle - it's also a mental game. There were many times in the middle of a workout where I questioned if I could finish because the weights felt like they were going to drop out of my hands or my legs just didn't want to do another lunge. But guess what, your body is stronger than you give it credit for - and it's your mind that you have to train to say that you CAN keep going and that you WILL keep going.
5) Fitness does so much more than just making you stronger in your body. Mentally, it has toughened me up, but it has also given me more determination and drive in other parts of my life. It's taught me how to face challenges, how not to give up, how to make changes, how to deal with setbacks, and how to lead by example.
So yes, it's been a long 77 days so far, but the benefits have far outweighed anything else over the past 3 months. I have 3 days left, and nothing that I can control is going to stop me.