Working out can be such a daunting task. I don’t care if you work out five times a week or if you’ve just recently started your new workout routine, it can be pretty scary. And maybe sometimes you’re not going to want to do it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to just skip my workout and stay home with my kids, or go to the movies with some friends, or even pull out that pint of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and just go to town on it while lounging on the couch (which I have done). And while all those things are perfectly fine to do (maybe the ice cream thing only once in a while), I know myself too well to fall into that “I’ll workout tomorrow” slump. It’s starts off with me just skipping one day…then two…then three…then before I know it it’s been a week since I’ve even set foot in my gym. And you know that scary feeling I was talking about before? Well, let me just say that when I don’t work out for a while I go from feeling scared to terrified. How about you? Have you struggled with these same feelings? The desire to not work out getting stronger and stronger each time you give in? It’s ok to say yes. And if you ask around I’ll bet your friends have similar struggles.

Working out is not fun, it’s called work for a reason. It’s tiresome and exhausting and grueling. And I’ll be honest when I say that I NEVER enjoy feeling any of those things. So each night when I look at the clock and I have that ten minute window where I need to decide “Am I going to the gym tonight or am I skipping it?” I need to remind myself that it’s worth it. All the pain and misery and sheer exhaustion I feel during class is worth it. I’m stronger, faster, and in better shape because of what I put my body through every night. I’m also happier when I work out. I’m proud of myself each and every time I go to my gym and push myself to my limits. I like the challenge and I love the results I get. So the next time you think about skipping your workout, just remember how good you feel about yourself after and how if you keep working you’re only going to get better. Yes, working out is hard, but it’s SO worth it.

Originally posted on our old site Fightingfitaz.com on May 18th, 2015.