Don't workout because you hate your body...

The reason most of us avoid working out is because we think of it as punishment. We think of it as something we "have" to do versus something we "get" to do. We wait until we are so out of shape that it feels like an impossible task to get back into shape. We feel like we have to "work off" the junk we ate. We feel like our body isn't good enough the way it is so we have to change it. And then when we do workout we never see the results we are looking for. We focus on the negatives instead of the positives and we make a mountain out of a molehill.

Exercise/working out/me time...whatever you want to call it does not have to be so demanding it scares you. It does not have to be so hard you are throwing up every time.Yes exercise is important and is something you should do daily for 30 minutes. But you should be able to find some enjoyment out of your workouts. You should sweat while also being able to execute the move. I think it is possible to actually enjoy and look for ward to your workout if you change the way you think about your workouts and maybe change the type of program you are doing.

The first thing to consider is what are your initial thoughts on exercise? How do you prefer to exercise? Do you like choreographed exercises or sports or being out in nature?

What time of day do you like to workout?

Where do you like to workout? I like to workout at home where I can grab my weights and get in a 30 minute session while the kids are playing in the back yard. You may like the gym or classes or working out at the beach!

Why are you working out?

This is the most important question. I have discovered working out to loose weight alone is not enough motivation. One has to start appreciating his or her own body.

To truly enjoy exercise is to truly enjoy your body.

That is why I love to workout. I love to see what my body is capable of doing. I enjoy working on my form and practicing a move until I get it. I have learned so much about the human body through the years and what it is capable of.  It is an amazing machine. Exercise and working out gives you a chance to connect with your body. To connect your mind and body to the same place and time. Working out strengthens you, tests you and builds character.

Your body is a gift from God. It is our duty and calling to take care of them and train them. When we let our bodies go we are basically telling God we don't care about the gift he gave us. But our bodies are the thing we should care about the most. And NOT for vanity reasons. NOT to be a size 2 or look great in a bikini...but because you are capable and grateful for your body. Because you enjoy dancing or yoga or running.

Take the pressure off of yourself. God made you the way He did for a reason. It is not our job to try to change your body but instead take care of it. Take care of your body  way God would want you to. Then we can be sure that we will lose weight, gain muscle, get toned and be healthy. We can choose to see ourselves as valued and precious and as a child of god and choose to take care of ourselves.

Working out is a privilege...honestly ask someone who is paralyzed or has lost a limb.

Don't take your body for granted and don't think working out as punishment. (I know its easy to do!) But instead start to pay attention o your body. Stop and think about how amazing your body is and all it can do for you.

I know it is easy to pick our bodies apart and find reasons to be unhappy with them. Especially when we get caught comparing our body to all the photoshopped magazines covers floating around with false standards and unrealistic ideals. However we have to find a way to be thankful and love our body for whatever shape or size it is in this moment! Thank God for the body you do have and if you feel like you are not taking care of it then be willing to make up for lost time. Don't beat yourself up or tear yourself down. Don't think you now have to punish yourself by working out and dieting.

Turn to God and let him have the control in this area. Share with him your insecurities and fears. He knows what you struggle with and how to help you overcome if you let Him. Don't fret and focus on what you don't know or how you will get there. Trust God will bring you the right information and the right people at the right time. You just have to be willing to walk out what God brings you to.

If you are looking for a place to start but don't know where check out my new ebook:Get God & Get Fit: Put God first in the area of you health and fitness! Let Him be your private personal trainer who helps you achieve your goals! Get God and Get Fit It was just released yesterday. It is a 14 Day Devotional focused on health and fitness and helping you get started on a journey to living a healthy and happy life. It has my favorite Bible verses that help me stay focused on what is truly important and therefore through the Grace of God I am able to reach my goals.

God helps me to see the value in my body. He helps me to see my beauty and my worth. For me He helps me remember I don't have to overwork my body to get it to improve. My goals are not to have a 6 pack or be a certain weight. My goal is to be truly happy with my body for what God has created it to be. I want to look in the mirror and not criticize myself.

It is easy to do. To fall into the trap of comparison and thinking you are not good enough. The enemy wants to distract me.  But then that is when God taps me on the shoulder and reminds me that I was created in His image, I am worth more than the sparrows, I am fearfully and wonderfully made, hand knit together in my mother's womb by the hands of the creator himself. And so are you...