Like many people, it took a health issue to wake me up and get me going. Through diet and exercise, I have been able to change my mind and body for the better. You have seen my numerous posts and check-ins at the gym. Maybe it's annoying to some. In fact at least one person told me it was...until she tried it. Now she is also a die hard member of the Fit Culture Nation.
But this is not fanaticism. This has become a way of life for me and many other people. Joey Bratton has created a culture of fitness, feeling good, and caring about ourselves. Hello...it is called Fit Culture. It isn't about filling a gym with a bunch of super hot lunks who intimidate any chubby who enters. It is a place that helps us to learn how to make fitness a part of our culture... our tradition...our way of life. So, with that said, being overseas is simply not an excuse to give up this tradition I have been participating in over the past few years.
Upon doing some research, I found what I thought was the prefect gym. I stopped by Klab and was amazed at the beauty. It looked like a 5 star gym. It felt like a spa. I was super pumped and ready to go. That will be 185 Euro for one month, plus a 75 Euro Sign-up fee. Plus, you have to go to a certified doctor for a physical at 60 Euro. I will do the math for you: it's about $450. I was disheartened. Felt I wasn't cool enough to hang and I left. As I collapsed in woe at home, Alex told me, "Dude, there are more gyms in Florence." Of course, of course there are. Duh. So, we found Swan and for 12 Euro per day, I could use it as much as I wanted. 12 Euro per day is still expensive, but worth it for the short time.
My first day. I could only think of all the times I have heard people ask me, "But are people nice at Fit Culture? Are they going to watch me and make fun of me?" I laugh when I hear this, as I have come to know and love all the people there and it is such a safe space. But on my first trip to a Total Body class at Swan, I was put right back into that place, asking all these questions in my head: where do I stand? Do I need a mat? How do I say mat in Italian? Weights? What if I really don't understand the directions? Will people think I am an idiot if I can't pick it up? Are they watching me? They are going to watch me, aren't they? Sure, I speak Italian ok, but I don't know gym speak! I got there early to get a spot in the far back corner, my own little den of safety. I simply sat and watched. As people funneled in, I knew which direction to face. As it turns out, I have had plenty of gym experience and was able to catch on just fine. Five minutes into the workout and I realized the hardest part was over. Despite there being no AC and it being a hot, humid day...the hardest part was over. I even stayed for Pilates and have been to six classes in less than a week! The teacher knows me and has never once spoken to me in English and I have gotten by just fine!
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| It's Getting' Hot in Herrrrre |
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| Is red my color? |
When it comes to fitness, why do we feel such fear? We are told we have to look a certain way and if we don't, then we aren't allowed to participate. What a cycle. The biggest lesson I have learned on this journey is that it isn't about anyone else but me. If becoming a super sexy model is your goal, then go for it. But for most of us, fitness needs to be about health and nothing should keep us from that if we want it.
So, what I want to say in my Ode to Fit Culture is thank you so much to Joey, John, Steven and Wendy for instilling in me an understanding of the importance of making this time and effort for myself. No matter how hard, uncomfortable, intimidating, hot, humid or new it is. I am worth it!
If I have inspired you in the tiniest way to check it out, I will absolutely come with you to Fit Culture Studio. I'll show you where to stand and how things work. No fear! Click here to learn more about Fit Culture Studio.
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