I remember the jitters at Jr High track meets as you’d pace out your breathing walking to your mark, alongside your competitors. Over the loud speaker, you’d hear, “Runners to your marks. Get set.” BOOM!

Then you’re off!

Or you should be! Anyone left standing in the blocks with a dumbfounded look on their face? Or parlayzed to take the first step?

The beginning of anything new can be nerve wrecking.

Whether its a race, a job, starting a blog (yikes!) or simply implementing new lifestyles into your daily routine. It can be overwhelming!

Today, I want to focus on PHYSICAL FITNESS! And encourage you to implement simple steps to get you started on your journey!

First, you need to…

READY Your Mind: Set Goals

Without goals, what is your purpose of beginning anything, right? So make a list, TOP THREE things that you want to achieve on your fitness journey.

These goals must be achievable! You can always achieve a goal and add more! However, make them challenging enough where you’re pushing yourself!

These may include: lose weight (include target goals), build muscle, eat healthier (portion control, meal variations and prep), try new workout routine, you name it – they’re your goals!

Next…

SET Your Body: Find the right workout!

Yes, working out is KEY to achieving your goals! It doesn’t mean this should consume you and be your only focus! Absolutely not! Healthy doses!

Finding the RIGHT workout is very important to achieving your fitness goals! This again can be rather intimidating if you’re wanting to get back into the game after taking time off. Whether that was to have a baby, recover from an injury or surgery, just dipping your toe into the workout world or where ever you may be,

It can be tough, BUT not impossible!

One big thing I have learned when taking time off from working out is you can’t just dive back into where you left off. Sadly, our bodies don’t have a PAUSE button. So we need to be patient. Give yourself time and grace to begin again!

If you’re wanting to simply advance or change your workout routine, awesome! Good for you! You should know what works with your body and can experiment with that! Have fun!

Finally, it is time to…

GO!

With your mind READY and your body SET, its now time to let your Spirit GO! Take that first step! You can do it!!

We are running the biggest race of our lives and we have been properly equipped to run it! Don’t let it be overwhelming! Start small, trust God and find your mark, then: GO!!

“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”

Hebrews 12:1

*CHALLENGE: Find what FITS you one step at a time! Take that first step today and work towards achieving your goals. Know your body and limits, start slow! You’ve got this!!

**ALWAYS consult your doctor before any new or intense exercises.**

Heavenly Father, thank You for these bodies You’ve given us. Each one so different and unique. Yet, the purpose is the same! May we honor Your original intent for these bodies and take proper care of them! Let us run the race You have set before us! Please Lord help us to ready our minds, set our bodies and go in spirit! Protect and guide us along the way! Thank you, in Your Holy Name, Amen.