I don’t exercise to loose weight, I exercise to be strong, to feel energetic – so that I know when I get knocked down, I’ll get right back up again.

I have always struggled with my weight. In my youth it was more of an obsession; an all consuming desperation to look such a way that fit in with society’s idea of beauty. I suffered through eating disorders placing more importance on my short-term appearance rather than my life long health.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve discovered a whole new world. I have learned the beauty of fitness, of health, and strength, having nothing to do with appearance. Of course I am human, I like to look good, but my priority now is longevity. I love what my body is capable of and respect my weaknesses as opportunities for growth. After two kids and an assortment of health issues, I am just now learning those fitness boundaries I’ve set for myself are paper thin.

I have been consistently exercising almost daily for years now. It can get boring so occasionally I join in a challenge or sign up for a race. At the end of last year I joined a push-up challenge. By the end I was able to rock more push-ups in one workout than ever before. Next l challenged myself with daily planks, aspiring for an ultimate goal of exceeding a four minute plank with no breaks. I achieved my goal only days prior to breaking my C1 vertebra while body surfing. I strongly believe the strength in my neck, back and shoulders gained from the planks and push-ups significantly contributed to the fact that I walked off that beach and recovered with out surgery.

As my 40th birthday looms, I am feeling strong and healthy. I feel ready for the physical challenges that may come my way. I load up on the veggies and try to avoid the sugar to keep my immune system in fighting shape, but the daily exercise is to keep this body ready for anything!

Bring it on 40!