I had a wonderful and rejuvenating vacation last week. I got to enjoy so many of my favorite things - hiking, biking, swimming in both salt and fresh water - and even managed to read for longer than 10 uninterrupted minutes (a rare treat!). I also stepped a little outside my comfort zone by joining my husband on one of his favorite adventures: white water rafting. It was a bit of a trade - he tackled the Desoto Scout Trail with me (a long, technical hike), so I finally agreed to join him on the Ocoee River after years of him begging.
Now don't get me wrong - I've been rafting before and have conquered some pretty intense rapids. If it were up to me, though, I would never plan it, suggest it, or seek it out. It scares me every single time. That feeling right before getting in the boat? Not pleasant. But as usual, I had an amazing time (just like every other time he has coerced me into it). I was so glad I didn't let fear talk me out of it.
That discomfort I felt beforehand, plus the rush I felt afterward? It reminded me that I'm capable of more than I think. It also reminded me of why I train. Fitness isn't just about squats and jumping rope - it's about practicing discomfort on purpose. Every hard workout, every shaky rep, every moment you want to quit but you don't...it's training your body, yes, but also your mind. Discomfort is where growth happens. And it happens in many different types of situations.
In fitness: You won't get stronger staying in your comfort zone. Muscles adapt when they are challenged. Cardio improves when you push beyond "easy". Discipline grows every single time you show up when you don't feel like it. Didn't sleep well, feeling under the weather, hung over, it's too hot...the list of excuses can be endless. Don't give in. I guarantee you will be proud of yourself when you are done.
In nutrition: Growth comes from saying no to short-term cravings and saying yes please to long-term health. It's uncomfortable to skip the sweets, the alcohol, and the salty, processed snacks. It's also uncomfortable to prep meals on the weekends and stick to the plan when you are sad, angry, depressed, bored, or when no one is watching. But every uncomfortable choice adds up to results.
In life: The hard conversations, the career risks, the vulnerable moments - this is where we stretch, stumble, learn, and expand what we are capable of handling. When looking back, you'll always realize that God had a plan and you just needed to trust Him and go for it.
Discomfort isn't punishment. It's a signal: You're doing something that matters. If it feels hard, that doesn't mean you are failing. It probably means you are growing.
Your challenge this week:
- In your workout: Lean into the hard reps, not away from them. Keep going, even when you feel like you might die. Consider lifting heavier weights while practicing some of your exercises, particularly lower body ones - I know you can do it.
- In your nutrition: Make one choice (just one) that prioritizes long-term health instead of short-term comfort.
- In your life: Do one thing that you've been avoiding because it feels uncomfortable.
Ready to lean into discomfort this week? If you are planning to attend class, please pre-register using the button below or visit my website to book your spot so I know you are coming and can plan accordingly. Showing up is the first step toward growth.
If group classes feel like too much right now, but you still want to work on your wellness in a more personal, focused setting, please reach out. I have personal training spots available in person and online for those that prefer a quieter, more individualized approach.
And one more thing...if you take on something uncomfortable this week - whether in the gym, the kitchen, or life - I'd love to hear about it. Just hit reply and tell me: What's one thing you did this week that took a little (or a lot of) courage? Let's keep choosing the hard things that help us grow - together.
Final thought: Growth doesn't happen in the raft. It happens in the rapids. Let discomfort be your guide. On the other side of it? Confidence, strength, and growth.