I went for a bike ride, something I never brag about because I feel so weak on the bike but I went. I started off slow but by mile 5 I had caught up to a couple men and tried to maintain their speed and I did for about the next 5 more miles. In fact, I probably could've passed them but the trail was super busy. I felt confident and excited that I was able to keep up. That's a step in the right direction.
Along the way, I passed someone that could've been my Aunt's doppelganger. She is extremely active and represents some of the early memories of fitness and health and it got me thinking...
What were some of your first fitness memories.
I'm talking before team sports and everything else, there were a few distinct memories that I can say now have definitely influenced me to lead a fitness lifestyle.
1. My mom taking us to the gym. When we were kids, my mom took us to the gym with her while she worked out. I loved going to the gym, but was so jealous that mom got to workout while my sister and brother and I passed the time. That first encounter with a gym gave me an early appreciation for the gym.
2. My running aunt. On the weekends, we would go to the lake and when my cousins would come, I loved it when my aunt would head out for a run. I always found it so inspiring to see her come back sweaty. I was proud of her, I respected the work and just really wanted to experience that.
3. Get in shape girl. Oh yeah, I LOVED everything about this when I was a kid. I had almost all of these things and it's one of the few "toys" that I can remember having and appreciating getting.
It all reminded me that they ARE watching and will hopefully grow up thinking that this is just the way life should be..plenty of running and playing. I was lucky enough to have good role models growing up and I hope I can be a good role model for them.
What are some of your earliest memories of fitness? Did you ever have any of the Get In Shape Girl? What inspires you to stay fit?
My mom was an avid long distance runner when I was growing up. On Saturdays she would go out to run 6-10 miles and I would ride my bike with her. Started my love for fitness early :) Granted my parents had me in tennis by age 3 but they both set examples from the beginning!
ReplyDeleteI don't remember any specific childhood events that lead me to be more active. Everyone just seemed to be outside and active more back then now. I try to model great behavior for my kids and I hope I do. Confessions of A Mother Runner
ReplyDeleteI remember my mom and dad taking us on run/walks with them. They would race us all back to the house once we could see it in the distance. On some runs if I got to tired my mom would carry me piggy back style on her back and run up the hills. She would do lunges up the hills. I loved being out there with them, and my love of running wasn't hard to find.
ReplyDeleteGet in shape girl! I never had it but I can still sing the jingle. That's good marketing!
ReplyDeleteAh, this kills me because I LOVED Get In Shape, Girl! Ribbon and Rhythms, those weighted bangles. Oh yes. I was into it - but likely influenced by going to Jazzercise with my mom. We did go to the park, ride bikes, hit the beach and the like often as a family (parents + sister) but I always feel my upbringing fitness-wise is always going to be a little different. Not everyone my age has a father who was a competitive body builder!
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