Lessons Learned

So after today, we have two more weeks of Healthquest.:( Where have these 3 months gone? I remember the days leading up to this were anxious ones because I was so afraid of what the workouts would be like. I heard they were intense and wondered if I was in any kind of shape to last an entire class. Well, they were harder than expected, and my emotions have run from "no, can't do this" to "yes I can -push, push, push"!
I've learned that when you think you can't give do anymore, you find that last little energy to finish. That your body does get stronger, and those bear crawls are easier to finish (though some people are just more coordinated than others). After 3 months, I can actually see some muscle definition under all that fat. And even though that useless scale in my home doesn't register much weight loss, my clothes sure fit differently.
I've done many different types of aerobics in the last 20 years, and doing Carter's daily workouts have resulted in the best mental and physical change I've ever had. I know for myself that working out 5 days a week, in a row, has made a difference. It's been too easy trying to work out 2-3 times a week, because resting one day can quickly lead to 2 days, then 3 days of rest. I've learned our bodies were went to move and exercise every day.
I've always thought that I loved to exercise by myself, not in a group setting. Well, I've finally had to admit that has really never worked for me. I'm too lazy! I need the fellowship of a support group of people in my same shoes. My Healthquest will not really end in two weeks because I plan to continue on at D1 with Carter's workouts, and so many of my Healthquest team will also. It's reassuring when you see those supportive faces line up on the white line. Even though we are told to work at our own pace, seeing others complete sets sooner is an incentive to work harder and push ourselves just a little bit more. I wouldn't do that on my own. To see those strong mentors and other members that have been at it for a year and longer is also a great incentive. They have so much stamina and energy which gives me hopes that I can be like that in the next 12 months.
I believe we've all seen positive results. I can see it in our faces and attitudes. Most of us look like we've been laboring in the hot sun after a workout. T-shirts soaken wet (don't even go there), black pellets up and down our arms and legs, and bright, red, flush faces at the end. Always remarking how yet this was the hardest day. I know we feel energized when getting into our cars looking forward to making it to Fun Fridays, and actually laughing like kids while working out. (Of course Debbie finds something to laugh about everyday).
Great efforts bring great results! Happy Thanksgiving everyone, I'll be relaxing (and working out) in Destin next week.