This past Saturday I was honored to have three very special guests in my TRX class. D’Ann, Joyce, Janet and I had planned it months ago – when D’Ann comes to town we will do a TRX/spin workout at the ToBeRe… Studio. This was just another FUN physical activity to bring childhood gymnast friends together. It’s part of the tough gymnast mentality that wants the activity to be something new and challenging. Past get-togethers included a Tough Lotus class, the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure course, a visit with Olga Korbut (1972 USSR Olympic gymnast who was the first to do a backward aerial somersault on the balance beam), and most recently, a TRX/spin class followed by a fun time building plank pyramids, truly testing our strength and courage.
My friend, Keith, was in awe that I could have friends from 40+ years ago that are in such incredible shape. He was impressed that we have reconnected and now feed off of each other to live into being our healthiest and happiest self. Granted we have all been on separate journeys that have seen us through ups and downs with maintaining a healthy body and image, but the roots had taken hold and eventually we all found strength and direction from that solid foundation to bring us to where we are today.
We share a bond having grown up as gymnasts on the Desert Devil team. It was a lifestyle of dedicating endless hours every week to the gym and sacrificing what most would call a “normal childhood”. My teammates and coaches were my family away from home. The discipline and hard work required of a gymnast, has allowed me to face fears and overcome obstacles. It’s given me determination and confidence with everything in life. Thankfully, the strong values and enduring friendships are forever a part of me. And I consider myself fortunate to be part of a group like ToBeRe… that incorporates discipline, provides accountability and promotes physical fitness in a supportive and unconditionally loving environment. This makes our ToBeRe… community a perfect fit for me! And, now, I’m grateful to have 2BeRe-U to share this healthy lifestyle with you. Together, we will be our healthiest and happiest self while inspiring others.
D’Ann, also fondly known as my “bookend”, just recently told me that she read one of Keith’s blogs about being grateful and it affected her enough to want to reach out to old coaches and thank them for contributing to the person that she is today. She went on to say that she has thanked her “younger self” for making the sacrifices that have made her into the healthier and physical fit person that she is today. We can all do this. What can you thank your younger self for? How can you live today so that in 20 years you can look back and thank your younger self?
So, what’s next for the “She-Devils” (our Desert Devil Alumni nickname)? I’m not sure, but I do know I better stay in shape and keep training because there is no doubt the challenge will take us to the next level!
All in,
Amy