Girl…You’re Strong

I had put on some extra pounds during the winter of 2018 when I had a five-month, seemingly never-ending sinus infection. I had zero energy so after each workday, so I’d retreat to my bed and watch television in lieu of doing something active. My lack of energy impacted my patience to cook so a lot of my meals were take-out.

As the weather got warmer, I finally beat the illness, but no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t take off the extra pounds. Finally, in late 2019, I signed up for a few personal training sessions with a woman at my gym. I didn’t succeed losing the weight on my own so I figured it was worth a shot.

I looked forward to the first session but just a few minutes into a seemingly simple ab workout, I was struggling…struggling in the sense that I was about to vomit, pass out or both. I asked to take a quick water break but in reality, it was just so I could catch my breath.

My trainer, in a caring and sweet tone, casually asked if I had an emergency contact listed anywhere in my membership file. I felt embarrassed that I was struggling so much. I felt embarrassed I had wasted her time.

Even though I struggle with my weight, I think of myself as an active person. Playing tennis, group exercise classes and walking outside are how I typically spend my weekends and weeknights.

After a few sips of water, we went back to where we were before. She placed the large exercise ball between my knees again and instructed me to do crunches. My legs were wobbly and getting more wobbly as each second passed.

I was oh-so-grateful when she said it was time to move on to something else. Hallelujah! I happily put the exercise ball away and moved over to the lat pulldown machine. She set me up on the machine and had me pull the lat bar down. It was easy. So easy. I was relieved to finally have a break and to be sitting.

Her response after I completed a few reps? Her eyes widened and she exclaimed “girl…you’re strong!” I will never forget that moment.

She followed up with “Now, OK, this is your niche” while shaking her head up and down in a “yes” motion.

She kept adding more weight on the machine and said, in a feisty fashion, that pulling the bar down shouldn’t be that easy. We got to a point where the bar became heavy for me. When my arms got tired and I wanted to stop, she kept saying “embrace the suck.”

I felt powerful, not just because I completed the 60-minute session, but because I discovered my innate strength.

I have lost more pounds I originally intended to lose (yay!) and I still love to work out with her. She pushes me when my arms and legs get wobbly, reminds me often how much progress I’ve made and has become a good friend.

I have noticed a difference on the scale, in the mirror and in my self-confidence.

I’m physically and emotionally stronger and I’m glad I pursued the opportunity. The sessions are worth every dollar to me.

When a situation is rough or when I am having a bad day, I tell myself “girl…you’re strong.” Because I am. And because you are, too.