It's all up here......

After I dropped my daughter off at school this morning, I came home to a nice and peaceful house.  I made some coffee and had some breakfast while watching a good movie.  After about an hour, I got dressed and ready for the gym.  As I stepped outside, I thought "This is going to be a great day!"  It 's beautiful outside and I am so blessed.  I got into the car and put on my iPod (yes, I listen to my iPod while I drive....it gets me revved up to go and work out).  I jammed out all the way to the town club.  I was in a great mood.....and I carried that mood into the gym with me.

It amazes me, each time I get to the gym, how important my attitude really is.  When I drive to the gym and I'm dreading it (it happens to the best, most determined of people), that 45 minutes of cardio seems like hours.  I seem to get drained quicker, I don't burn as many calories, and it's an all around drag.  But, when I go to the gym determined and ready to kick some ass.....that's exactly what I do.  The 45 minutes flies by and I burn more calories than I had intended to.  I think to myself...."Why can't every day be like this?"

The truth is, every day won't be like this.....and that's why it's so important to ger "right" before you go into the gym (or outside to run, walk, play sports, whatever).  There are so many external factors that can have an effect on our day, our mood, and our attitude.  We can't change the weather, or how people treat us....but we can affect the way we respond.  I must admit that it's a lot easier to go and work out when it's nice and shiny outside....it just puts you in a better mood.....but we still have to burn calories on those rainy, overcast days too.  It's just gonna take a little more "mental prep" than those sunny days :)

When I was at the gym this morning, I was amazed at how much stronger my body has become.  My range of motion has improved....I'm working muscles I didn't even know I had.....and every time I look down at my thighs....they're smaller!  These are the things I am going to have to focus on the next time I am dreading going to the gym.  These are the reasons that I go......to become stronger.......and I am well on my way!