Being fit and healthy goes beyond the Figure Competiton stage for me. The competition is just one part of my journey into fitness. I believe that fitness is an integral part of my health and happiness on many levels. Here are some of the things that keep me motivated to continue on this journey and push me into reaching for success:

1. I want to feel good! I have experienced clinical depression in my 20′s and also the effects of having to be on medication. I discovered that regular, intense physical exercise is the cure-all for me. If I don’t exercise for a few weeks, then I start to fall back into depression very quickly. So while some may call my dedication to fitness “obsessive”, I see it as necessary and beneficial in my life to be active everyday. I now know that this is how my body was made – it was intended for me to be active and fit. Without that part being fulfilled, even my mind is affected and gets ill.

2. As a result of the physiological need in my life to be fit and healthy, I also want to keep it interesting! I really enjoy how both my body and mind feel from working out, but I enjoy having some goals and challenges to keep pushing me. It began with running and then participating in races. The training gives me a purpose to my running and I enjoy the competition with myself in pursuing new personal bests in my times and distances. Of course, my newest challenge has been Figure Competition, which I was inspired to do in order to transform my body into a more muscular and lean physique. Its also an opportunity to challenge my physical limits in the gym, as well my emotional strength when it comes to food. I want to better myself in these areas and competition prep forces me to keep on top of it! I have learned so much about myself through each of these processes. I never thought that I could push myself that hard through the last couple kilometers of a half-marathon and actually get my goal time. It was extremely difficult, but I did it and I didn’t die!

3. I want to prove to myself and the world that there is great satisfaction in being healthy, fit, and empowered to live your life. I think a lot of people underestimate the importance of diet and exercise in their life. It is often seen as a “lifestyle” or “obsession” or “being vain”. But I have come to firmly believe that while of course diet and exercise can give you a great body, it most importantly can give you the ability to live a full and exciting life. A life with few limitations, and a life in which there is empowerment and self-worth. I am motivated to push through my times of doubting myself or just wondering why am I bothering to do all this – because I don’t want to turn my back on the blessing and opportunity I will receive by keeping my body healthy, the way it was meant to be!

Read about what the other Fitness Blog World ladies have to say on this topic by clicking on their links!

Donloree –  http://www.bikiniorbust.com/

Kari –  http://www.figuregirlworld.com/

Dawn — http://www.bareitallfitness.com/

Jen — http://jenklimek.wordpress.com/

Colleen — http://www.thefitbee.com/

Liz — http://4amaven.wordpress.com/

Tiffany — http://passlakeprincess.wordpress.com/

Kendra — http://grindhardlivefit.wordpress.com/

Lisa –  http://www.healthiestlife4me.com/

Tammy — http://tammysmirror.com/