Workouts. We all have a different taste for what is enjoyable. I for instance, never was into sports while growing up. I was surrounded by musicians and artists and I kept busy dancing and acting with my sister. As I got older I remember trying to play sports with my friends. Quite honestly it was just to look cool and tough. I always liked looking tough and not like a pretty delicate flower.
I tried basketball, I really did not enjoy people bumping into me, and the pressure that I felt if I didn't do things right, I felt like all eyes were on me and I'd disappoint everyone if I ever touched the ball. So I ran along with everyone but avoided the spotlight.
Running is something I.... H-A-T-E. My heart goes up to my throat, there's pressure everywhere, and it feels to me like the point of it is to pretend that I'm in danger and I have no out until I reach my destination, no matter how exhausted I am in the way. running... ugh...
I tried Crossfit for 6 months! Talk about a love-hate relationship!! I always had a battle in my head on the way to the gym. Trying to find a good excuse to skip it. But I'd go anyways because....... your body reacts to it pretty quickly, and I got very happy with my new found muscles!. 1 hour of pain and constant thoughts of hatred followed by a protein shake and flex in the mirror.... then a smile. Then I started walking like a bro, with my chest puffed and wide arms. haha.
One day while doing crossfit, I went to an Acroyoga workshop. I remember seeing the teachers (in what I now know to be in a very basic pose) and being mind blown! It was so pretty! and SO hard to do! and the kicker? Hard didn't mean awful! I was LAGHING the whole time! I was super challenged, mesmerized by the incredible things people were doing and trusting I could do.
Here's the FIRST picture of me doing the most basic pose ever. I like seeing my super excited face. I like remembering what it was to feel something for the first time.
My relationship with acroyoga has shifted my idea of what motivates me. I like new. I get bored easily. I enjoy socializing and laughing while doing tricks and perfecting them, and there is always a next level. Acro has this for me. I never feel like "I'm going to work out". I guess that's why we call it "play", you are playing the whole time, and then one day boom! You're carrying other humans and you feel strong, and you feel dependable, and you know that you can trust the people you're playing with. You develop communication and social skills, strength, flexibility, and quite honestly... I just want to do it all the time.
This is of course my take on what I have experienced. I think this is the first time that I was able to show myself what I can accomplish by being consistent. Once I got good at it I started thinking I have so much potential on other areas on my life. Consistent practice is the key. This is the reason why I like Acroyoga over other kinds of physical activity.