A brand new day.

January is a time I hear a lot of buzz about body cleanses. Diets. Gym memberships. A new beginning. I rode that wavelength. I was on board.

I see room for improvement within myself and today is as good a day as any. 

January 1st. I bought more vegetables and fruits that I normally do. I threw away any holiday food that would bring temptation.

I was ready. 

Now confession time: I had not step foot into my gym (Anytime Fitness of Yorkville) since JUNE of 2012.

I have a million "valid" excuses. Life got busy. I was juggling work and my son. I took on new projects.. Truth be told, I did not make time. 

I'd pop in a workout DVD at home. Do my sit ups, lunges. I felt this justified my inactivity at the gym.

My energy has lowered in these past months and I feel like I am turning to goo. I needed my gym. 

I had been a member of Anytime Fitness for more than 3 years. It's the only thing that's worked for me. Every cardio machine has a tv in it.

I'd bring a magazine or my earbuds and hop on a treadmill for 30 minutes. I felt good. My thoughts felt fresh. My body was tone. 

The DVD's were boring me. I would get a phone call and not finish the rest of the program. I was slacking. 

Today was my first day back at the gym.

I was a little nervous. I walked in. Saw some familiar faces. Slipped on my sneakers and decided a bike was a safe bet to begin.

Ten minutes on and a little over two miles, I thought my legs were going to start convulsing. (Slight exaggeration, but you get the idea.) 

Next I hopped on the treadmill. The gym had enough people all participating to bring an extra wind of motivation.

I started up the treadmill and starred off into the beautiful sky... and prayed.

I prayed I wouldn't fly off the treadmill and land on my toosh.

I prayed to give thanks: that I had the courage to come back to the gym. That my body has strength. I prayed to say thank you to God for limbs that work.

I prayed for my son. For my friend Andre. For my sister-in-law and brother who are giving birth to my nephew right now. I prayed for Debbie and Ron Greenleaf, the owners of this fantastic gym. I prayed for all my fitness friends who motivate me to work out. Clint, Debi, Andrea, Aaron, Anne, Kelly. 

I thought about writing this blog. Both as a confession and potential motivator for anyone reading this.  

I thought about Jillian, and how I can report back to her: I worked out too! :) 

Today was my day. My start. My beginning to optimize my health. It's only my beginning. I truly believe that beginning is the hardest part. It's easy to get de-railed. Some days you have to pick up your caboose and get back on the track. It's time to get chugging.

Like Mary Poppins says: "A job that's been begun is already half done."

Cheers to a year of feeling healthy.