Alecia Shaw, GWG®’s Retail Manager, Talks Fitness After 30

I would say I am an amateur when it comes to fitness. Although I have been active all of my life from skiing/snowboarding, hiking, swimming, bike riding, hunting and some school sports I have never really jumped full into exercising regularly and fully watching what I put into my body. Granted for school sports we did, but I stopped after when sports stopped. Now that’s not to say that I haven’t gone on a little exercise kick from time to time. Attempted to work out and try and eat healthy for a month or two. The truth is life happened and then I will be brutally honest I just kinda gave up and put it on the back burner. Not something I like to admit, but it’s the truth.

It’s always funny to look back upon life advice from our elders and realize when we are older how much we should have listened to them when we were younger. Someone once told me that you need to take care of your mind and body starting at a young age, while not beating up your body. “You only get one to last the rest of your life.” Of course I was like ok, sure. lol I never thought twice about it. Now that I am in my early thirties and having not fully taken care of my body health wise like I should have I am now determined to start taking better care of it. Why shouldn’t I? If I am physically able to exercise and push my body to its fullest potential. I should be taking advantage of it and keeping my body healthy and strong.

Like I said I am an amateur all the way, so I am taking baby steps so I don’t set myself up for failure. Luckily, Norissa and I were on the same page during trade show season this year to start eating healthier and exercise once we were done traveling. I also have someone to partner with and hold me accountable. We partnered with Aubrie Thomas at Tehama Family Fitness Center here in Red Bluff to kick our butts into shape during her CrossFit Class. Ha. Let me tell you what. I about died the very first class. I didn’t even want to finish the fourth round. “No one will know if I just stop,” as everyone was finished with their rounds. I was the last one trying to finish the third round when I told myself “no you are pushing through it and finishing.” So I did and I was sore for about a week. I did go back on Thursday and Friday the same week. Granted, I still died a little, but it wasn’t terrible. Now given the workout that we did this Friday. That’s another story because I again died. At least my body felt like it. Working out during lunch though gives me an energy boost for the rest of the day. There is no afternoon drag when I go to CrossFit during lunch. I am ready to move and groove when I get back to the office.

I also decided that I was going to log all of my food intake throughout the day. Mainly just what I was eating rather than on quantity. I wanted to make myself realize and think about what I was feeding my body. Now of course, I do splurge on a beer, glass of wine, or some occasional deserts. I also don’t beat myself up about it either. If I were to try and give up everything at once I would totally fail and I know it. That’s why I am taking baby steps. I have noticed myself making healthier food choices throughout the day and not eating as much processed foods. Honestly, I feel better than I have in a long time. I am not as bloated or as sluggish throughout the day. It has been nice.

Sometimes it is not always about being in the gym or a workout class. Sometimes it is going out for a hike, bike ride, or being up on the mountain snowboarding. Norissa, our friend Courtney, and I had a “Board Meeting” at Mt. Shasta recently. Norissa was the one to call upon our so- called “Board Meeting.” This was a day for us to regroup before Jen and Shianne left for maternity leave and Norissa hadn’t been up yet. It was a gorgeous bluebird day on the mountain and we were able to get some great pictures of our new rain gear, too. So we did work while we were playing. It was also a good soul day and workout. I am a firm believer that it is good for everyone to get out and soak up a day outside doing what you love. You come back to reality happier with a cleansed soul.

As I sit here in the process of my own fitness journey, I am just happy that my body not only allows me to be able to exercise, but also how much of a mental clarity it produces. I know that it will not be an easy journey and life will get in the way at times, but I will not allow myself to fail. I owe it to myself and my body to conquer this journey and pick the path that leads me to a healthier, stronger, happier self. For anyone out there that is like me and needs that little extra push or encouragement. Do it for yourself and start small. It will not happen overnight. It will take time, determination and pushing, but you can do it. You will want to stop at times or give up, but push yourself though it. You will thank yourself later. I know I do when I push through a workout or make it to the gym when I don’t want to go. If you are having a bad day or just in a funk mood get out, go for a walk or jog, or hit the gym. It will break you out of your funk. You can do anything you set your mind to. You will succeed and conquer your fitness journey. Do it with a friend, family member, or work buddy. They will also help push you and hold you accountable. If you go to a class they will become part of your journey and become part of your group. They will motivate you and help push you through that workout. It doesn’t take long to establish that once you find the right fit. I have faith in you. You can do it and you will! So grab your girlfriend and get after it! You will thank yourself later! Cheers to your journey!

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By Alecia Shaw, GWG® Retail Support Manager