The Humbling Journey to My Best Shape

Not many stories begin with a bit of humility, but mine does. I, like many become fed up with life and feel sluggish. I came to the decision that I was ready for a completely different chapter, but this is how…

So i started as a happenstance at an area park; Across the street I passed a fitness class with an enthusiastic group of people. They laughed long and hard, sweating yet thoroughly enjoying themselves. As I watched them (interested, but way too intimidated to crash the party) Then came my doubting self; I was not passably-attractive, out-of-shape and out of sorts.

It took a few days of being incognito for me to drum up the nerve to join. Nothing went as planned on that first day. As I walked in, they were doing their warm up exercises and as walked over to where Matthew was just about standing directly behind him preparing myself for a good acceptable joke pushing him or throwing bread on his mats as we do, when my foot stubbed it self wit its own heel fell forward like bambi’s mom before she got shot!..” landing with boom right between groups of said class,,, groans,, followed by “shame Cambridge!!! I was so humiliated in that moment that a wave of it shot through my entire insides. They would have been right to laugh at me, but instead they gave a hand of support and encouragement. A turning point that turned my embarrassment into action.

I started showing up to that class regularly over the weeks. I was able to make more friends as I took part in some of them. What I came to realise was, fitness wasn't just the physical transformation but it also included creating that family in working as a supportive community. We tried to lift each other up on the rough days, and cheer at little successes.

And voilà, I was in the best shape of my life. My energy levels sky rocketed, my confidence increased and I was even meeting challenges that years before were completely out of the question. What could easily have become a cringe-inducing story transformed into laughter, hilarity…and the most epic adventure involving 3 women in need of waders.

In retrospect, I understand that the shady start to my fitness journey not only transformed my physical state but indoctrinated a sense of belonging and perseverance. If you feel like starting but are afraid Its only in the times when we embarrass ourselves do we go out and find our most rewarding experiences.