Inspired

I was at the gym today, finally feeling better after my antibiotics kicked in. Two weeks of feeling like crap but still hitting the gym for cardio and weights 6 days a week. I didn't realize how crappy I was feeling until today, when I felt so much better. I was hitting some serious weight with ease. For being where I am in my training progress hitting higher weights isn't really typical. My body had some serious recovery to be doing in the past two weeks I think and it was working over time just to get what I had to get done, done.

As I went over and knocked out 3 sets of 20 push ups on my toes (first time, ever since November 2011) I was feeling strong and in charge of my training. I had all ready killed my shoulders--chest and triceps were coming next. I looked over and saw a dad of maybe 60 and a middle aged daughter with a walking stick, as she must have been blind. He was assisting her on the pull up machine, on inner thigh machine, on the eliptical and crunches.

I was humbled. I was inspired.

I thought about walking over to them and congratulating them and thanking them for being at the gym, and then thought about how weird they would probably think I was that I even saw them. And then I thought better, I have been counciled not to ignore the promptings to do good that come my way. So I walked myself over to them and I told them exactly what I said above, that it was a privilege to be working out in the same gym as them, I thought they were tough as hell, and they inspired me.

Not even 5 minutes later I walked over to the older lady that I see at least 3 times a week when I am lifting. She lunges with 15 pound dumb bells in her hands, which is not my heaviest... but it is definitely hard work. I stopped her and I asked her how old she was.

"69."

That woman is 69 and she is working out harder in the gym than most 20 year olds. She is there consistently every week. She freaking puts the weight down... she even gets on the stair climber. I could not be more impressed.

I finished up my workout harder than ever before, feeling grateful to the Lord for my able body. I feel furious  with people who are making excuses to not exercise-- to not eat healthy-- this is the only body you are going to get. Why aren't you taking care of it? Why aren't you doing anything and everything in your power to make the most of the body you have been entrusted with?

Everyone has excuses, some are just a little bigger than others. Ya know, like being blind-- or like being 69 years old. They aren't using that card, so tell me... today, what's your excuse for not living your life to the fullest, in making your health a priority? Please, PLEASE comment below and tell me what it is.