My mom called me the other night to tell me about her first SoulCycle class.
My mom walks regularly and does yoga occasionally, but this was her first strenuous exercise class in many years. She excitedly recounted every single detail about the class, from having the bike set up to the special shoes to how the room looked. She claimed that she was the oldest one in the room by 30 years, but I told her I doubted that was the case. She pushed through the initial discomfort and was very proud that she made it through the whole class. The most animated part of her story was about how the sixty other participants stood up on the bike for the entire class and she wasn’t able to stand up on the bike once.
At the end of the conversation she told me how she couldn’t wait to go back.
my mom loves to walk with her granddaughters
The truth of the matter is this: it doesn’t matter that she never stood up on the bike or if she was the oldest person in the room. She went to class, worked hard, sweated and left happier then when she walked in the studio. She showed up. That’s all that counts in my book.
I feel the same way about the moms who come to exercise in my Stroller Strides classes. Sometimes they haven’t slept in weeks, but they come and do the best that they can. They leave class feeling better and stronger. This uplifts me every single time that I teach.
My mom reminded me that sometimes all you need to do is the best you can, even if you are the only person in the room who can’t stand up on the bike. Ultimately all that matters is whether you show up.
This is SO true! I truly believe that attitude determines everything and your mom obviously has a great attitude 🙂
absolutely annmarie! and yes, she does. 🙂
So true! And how great for your Mom! I wish there was a SoulCycle near me. I heard about it when I saw Oprah and it looks like a fabulous workout class!
i have never tried it, but now I want to go with my mom! 🙂 everyone i know who does it loves it. I hope you get a chance to try it out one of these days.
This is so awesome! Congrats to your mom for trying something new and having so much fun! I wish I got that excited about classes, I would go to them more often!
I do love classes, but her experience totally inspired me to step out of my box and consider new classes. 🙂
This is so true! As long as you are putting in the effort, you will benefit. It is important to remember that we are all where we are at and not necessarily where those around us are, but as long as we are doing our best we are making progress. When it comes down to it, that is what is truly important.
SO great! I love that your mom is empowered to LIVE her life! It gives other women the perspective that we are here to live for OURSELVES. This post is such a great reminder of self love, courage and empowerment 🙂
Great post! Your mom is an amazing lady!! You are so right – showing up is half the battle!!