Fitness Journey: 8 months in, I own new power

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If you had asked me when I started this journey where I thought I’d be eight months later, I would never have guessed here

 

Since embarking on this commitment to fitness, I feel strong, passionate about exercising, physically powerful, resilient and dedicated to wellness.

I must emphasize, however, that the exercises I do are not difficult, time-consuming or taxing on my body. They are moderate and have simply become part of my self-care routine. I continue to work out sensibly at J-Fitness (located in the Dwares Jewish Community Center, in Providence) a few times a week and meet with trainer Eddie Fleury once a week. I love the relationship Fleury and I have established, and he has been a great motivator. Having a personal trainer has made all the difference for me because it keeps me accountable to my fitness commitment, and Fleury has become my biggest cheerleader.

“When I first started working with Kara, my goal for her was to make her comfortable with movement,” said Fleury. “I wanted her to be able to walk into the fitness center and be confident she could exercise without the feeling of judgment or fear. Weightlifting, movement and fitness have been such a positive part of my life, and if I could get Kara to become excited about becoming a stronger, healthier individual, then I would know I did my job by helping her make a lifestyle change.”

I must reiterate that my goal was never to become a body builder or grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. My “Fitness Journey” started as an opportunity to write a few articles for The Jewish Voice and to get my rather sedentary body moving a bit more. Thus, I never dreamed that an eight-week challenge would continue months later or that it would change my life. It sounds dramatic, but it’s the truth.

Eight months ago, I had very little muscle tone or upper body strength. Now, one can clearly see the definition of my biceps, and my lower extremities have become shapelier. I am maintaining an eight-and-one-half-pound weight loss and have lost inches on my waist, arms and legs. I’ve gotten stronger in various movements, including performing a 60-pound goblet squat and a 125-pound trap-bar dead lift.

But more important are the changes most personal trainers don’t measure or record. They are the modifications I gauge internally: I have renewed confidence in my ability to try new things, I am learning to accept my size and physique, and I have a deeper appreciation for the workings of my body. I also now feel comfortable sporting a fitted T-shirt and yoga pants. I stand poised and seldom slouch over my office keyboard. My footsteps are lighter, and I walk with my head held high. I own my power!

Over the summer, I led a workshop on body image for more than 50 men and women of varying ages and shapes at a retreat center in Connecticut. During the (401)j Shabbaton at Camp JORI this summer, I participated in ropes courses, kayaking and Maccabiah games. In both settings, I felt capable and strong.

Lastly, I have decided to become a Certified Ageless Grace Educator, allowing me to teach group classes and have private sessions with clients and students. Ageless Grace is a fitness and wellness program that consists of 21 simple exercises designed for all ages and abilities and which focus on the healthy longevity of the body and mind. Along with a few other Jewish Alliance and J-Fitness professionals, I will be attending training in January so that we can bring this remarkable new program to the Dwares JCC. Stay tuned for details in the coming months.

I share all of this with you not to brag, but to inspire you to become the person you were meant to be, functioning at optimum capacity regardless of age, prior limitations or negative self-talk. You can look years younger, feel stronger, think better and have a quality of life beyond your dreams. It is not about behavior modification. It is about heart transformation. And it starts with one small step.

KARA MARZIALI is the director of communications for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

Editor’s note: If you want to learn how a personal trainer can help you attain your wellness goals, contact J-Fitness at 401.421.4111, ext. 152, and speak to one of the dedicated professionals who are part of Body Soul Inspired Personal Training.