Giving Thanks for Your Fitness

As the leaves turn auburn (at least in some parts of the country?) and the air gets crisp(er), it’s that time of the year again – Thanksgiving and the holiday season. It’s a period for reflection, where we pause and ponder over what truly brings joy and meaning to our lives. It’s nice to have these calendar-based reminders, because sometimes in the whirlwind of daily life it’s easy to overlook the small yet significant things, like our health and fitness.

This year, more than ever, I’ve found myself taking stock of my own health and fitness. Friends coping with illness, my personal journey navigating some injuries – it’s been a year of reckoning, of understanding the fragility and strength of our bodies. These moments are simultaneously challenging and enlightening, and for me they always return me to a place of deep gratitude and wonder at the strength of our bodies and spirits.

Think about it. Each day at the gym, amidst the thumping of weights and the whirr of jump ropes, we’re given a unique opportunity to harbor feelings of gratitude. To connect to feeling (relatively) healthy, mobile, and pain-free. To have the ability to push our limits, chase our goals, and, let’s not forget, the chance to be part of an incredible community. Every squat, every lift, every bead of sweat is a testament to our body’s capabilities.

But what happens when we’re sidelined by an injury or illness? Ironically, it’s during these times that our sense of gratitude can deepen. We become acutely aware of what we once took for granted. And when we eventually (and hopefully) recover, there’s this renewed appreciation for being able to reengage with our physical selves. It’s a stark reminder – we often don’t realize the value of something until it’s temporarily or permanently out of reach. But it needn’t always be this way.

The next time you’re at the gym, maybe as you begin to warm up, or maybe even in the midst of a grueling workout, take a moment. A moment to actively practice gratitude. Look around you, and take in the people, the extremely good-looking coaches, the energy. Feel your heart beating, your lungs expanding, your muscles working. Think about how fortunate you are to be here, in this moment, doing what you love. To move, breathe, sweat, to laugh together, to share our goals and dreams, our frustrations. To work at something difficult but ultimately vital.

This Thanksgiving, let’s give thanks for our fitness, for our health, and for the incredible journey our bodies allow us to embark on. It’s a gift, a privilege, and truly something to be grateful for. So, as you tuck into that turkey and pass around the cranberry sauce, remember to spare a thought for the journey you’ve been on, the resilience of your body, and the sheer joy of being able to do what you do. Here’s to health, happiness, and a whole lot of gratitude. 🍁🏋️‍♀️💪