A Long Battle Won

Happy December, everyone! I cannot believe how fast this year has flown by; it just seems to go by faster with each year that I get older. I had a breakthrough moment last week and I want to share the experience with you all. I’m hoping it can provide you with a little inspiration because it certainly has changed my outlook! Happy reading! J

As you all know, I joined the YMCA back during the summer months. I can officially say that it was by far the best decision that I could have made for myself. I’ve been doing the Zumba class regularly, but last Monday, I wanted to try something new, something more intense, I wanted to see if I could handle something more. I forced myself out of bed on Monday morning, put on my workout clothes, grabbed my powerade and headed out the door. The class that I was about to attend was called high intensity interval training (HIIT). Honestly, I didn’t know what I was about to get myself into but I was determined to try something new.

HIIT is an hour long class that is all about speed. It is said that an HIIT workout will lose up to 9 times more fat than a similar cardio workout. The class concentrates on getting faster by triggering muscles in different patterns and speeds. It consists of weights, step aerobics, push-ups, sit-ups, and jumping jacks. I know that some other HIIT workouts will also include sprints, but there isn’t enough room at the YMCA for this particular class.

As the class was getting ready to start, I remember looking around and seeing extremely fit and athletic individuals, and I started to think to myself, umm was I ready for this? I decided to at least try it. The class started and I was doing well and before I knew it, the class was over! I, the girl who had a heart attack a year ago, was FINALLY able to keep up with other people! I had just kicked ass in an HIIT workout! I couldn’t believe it and I was in complete shock! I’m not going to lie, it was intense and there were times that I started to struggle, but I kept at it. It was an awesome experience. Now, a few hours later, I could hardly move, but it was totally worth it. I wasn’t going to let the aches and pains of muscles and joints discourage me.

As I sit here and type this, I can’t help but smile. Yes, I’m bragging about myself. However, I think I’ve earned this ‘moment’. I NEVER in my wildest dreams would have thought I would EVER be able to do such an intense workout and feel so great after it. Just months ago, I couldn’t even keep up with my cardio rehab program. I remember having numerous meltdowns and full of frustrations because I couldn’t do what I wanted to do. But now, that was all in the past. I realized that after months and months of complaining and hating everything about having a heart issue, that my heart was finally strong. I’ve been on several medications since my heart attack, and will likely be on some for the rest of my life, but it just wasn’t the pills that were making my heart stronger, it was also my determination to push myself to become healthier that aided the winning results.

One very important thing that I’ve realized through this entire journey is that if I have the will and determination to overcome something, I certainly can. It may not be easy and at times I will want to throw in the towel, but if I keep fighting through it, I will overcome it.

In one of my most recent posts, I talked about that I have a doctor’s appointment with my cardiologist, which is actually today. I mentioned that I was scared to death because I was afraid that the doctor may find something. But after having my breakthrough moment last week, I no longer have fear about the appointment. Actually, I’m excited to tell my doctor how far that I’ve come.  As I’ve said before, there very well could be tests that need to be done, just to check on things. However, I’m confident that my heart is stronger and everything is fine. Even if there would be something wrong, I’ve already been through a fight, and you better believe I’ll be ready for another!

Even though I’m being extremely positive about my appointment right now, I’m sure I’ll be a little nervous at the appointment, so I ask you all to say a prayer for me today.  

P.S. Below is a most recent picture of my family, they have been my biggest supporters and the ones that I turn to. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I cannot thank you enough, Mom, Dad, Kelly, Angie, and Red. Also a big thanks to Chloe and Cain (Niece & Nephew) for making me smile when I need it the most.