10 Reasons I Stopped Lifting Weights

And surprise none are because I don't have time or anything to do with my 15+ lbs baby!

also, disclaimer there is nothing wrong with lifting weights... this is not a scientific blog

I have been a trainer for almost 8 years now and in the fitness field for about 11... wait what... now I'm feeling my age.
I have worked in all types of fitness specialties but have more recently come to a realization- I DON'T want to just "lift weights". Now before I continue... I am not saying it is unhealthy... hear me out before you jump to any conclusions.
In the past week I have had several former clients come to me, in a kind of tail between the legs, saying "I just don't feel like working out anymore".... and personally I'm sitting there thinking man me too... But I didn't say it, I listened to their reasons and gave them some tips but here is what I hope they and anyone can take away from the below ideas....

The BEST workout is working out without feeling like you're WORKING!

Now Im not talking about working as in your heart and your muscles pumping, Im talking about your desire... I'm talking about that pulling teeth dragging fingernails gut feeling.... now I know there are some of you out there reading this thinking...well if I lost those last 10 lbs or made the team or what ever your end goal is.... I'll do it and I'll do it every day but the truth is when you do something that you would rather not do you are going to have a hard time with motivation.

So ME Personally here are my reasons for not lifting weights-

1. I wasn't Having FUN in the facility

Since having Alivia, I have come to realize. I don't want to go in a gym where there is no air, no sun, no cute baby girl... I want to explore and share and have FUN... thats not to say I did't at some time enjoy they gym but not right now, and hey thats just me. 

2. I realized I was lying 

When people would say "you look great" or ask "how are you getting back in shape? I would say "Thanks' I'm trying" but the truth is I'm not and I don't really want to...

Don't get me wrong... I want to be healthy

3. I was trying too hard

I don't want that to be my focus nor do I wan't to teach my daughter that "TRYING" to look a certain way is an important goal... A person should want to take care of his or her self... but have fun while you're at it and accept that there are things about your body you cannot change... Like I will never be 5'10 or even 5'3 as hard as I try.
Not "trying" to lose weight I have gotten back down to my pre-pregnancy weight I mean yes my body is different and yes its not the smallest I have been but I am also not

restricting,
dieting,
concerned,
forcing,
angry,
​frustrated with myself or my body

all of which would have me trying too hard

4. I am enjoying other things

I do plenty of active things, I walk, run, build, sand, clean, play
in short add activity to my life doing things I already love.

5. I am making HAPPINESS a priority

and guess what exercise wise I am the happiest I have ever been

at least in terms of my body and my routine

6. Not Over Thinking it

Mostly, I want to live a life I enjoy and set an example for my daughter that being active, healthy, and working out doesn't have to be counting reps... it can be if you enjoy it, but it doesn't have to be. There is a whole big world out there see it in what ever way you want....(and if that is in a gym that is fine too)

7. Looks arn't everything!

You are not only your looks so you don't have to go into a box to fit into a box so that others can say how perfectly cut out and pretty you are. My whole life I have seen in soooo many women that the value of their person was in a weight, or a size, and I do not want to portray that in any way to my child.... If you like lifting weights or you like the treadmill go for it, but if you like to dance then dance, what ever you do there must be something you can incorporate into bettering you while still enjoying yourself! 

8. You do you boo boo! attitude

I remember the first time I heard that expression, my brother and I were deciding what run we wanted to go on, neither of us had a set goal that day and you know what I think we ended up going much further and longer because we just did what we wanted. So don't let anyone, not even this blog tell you what to do.

9. Rediscovering

Part of the reason I am not in the gym is because I am rediscovering other things I like and other parts of my person... one of the best things for a healthy body is diversifying your activity

10. Lastly, Reevaluating 

If reevaluation isn't a constant part of your healthy lifestyle well then you need to reevaluate... what I mean is you should constantly check in with yourself, and make changes as needed, right now I am reevaluating how I look at health and thats up to me to grow and change... eventually I am reevaluate and decide I have had enough of this fresh air, sunshine, love myself BS and go back to the gym pound out some weight and blow up with botox,  and if thats you right now refer to #8