Remember To Breathe

So this week marks an approximate 6 month stint at working out and maintaining, for the most part, going twice a week to kickboxing. Tonight as I was working out I reflected back on my first time in the class. I remember that I was barely able to keep moving, and that I took frequent breaks for water, to tie my shoes, to simply bend over and catch my breath. Not only was I completely unfit, I was also very self conscious of working out, and very conscious of just how unfit I was and how terrible that was for a 23 year, medically healthy female.

What I remember most is that during the sets I would forget to breathe! I would try to get through the crunches without breathing, or the kicking on the bags, or the punching for that matter...I would quite simply forget to breathe, I had to coach myself to breath.

During the past 6 months of working out at the KB Studio I've had to remind myself to breathe, not only do I remind myself, but the instructors often remind the class to breathe.

This evening as I worked out, I enjoyed the process -- I remembered to breathe, to take that breath when I need it, and not to wait until I am practically passed out on the floor.

As I thought more on it I realized the truth of taking time to breathe in every day life. I think, well I know, that I do this in my life in general. I forget to breathe, I forget to stop and take a breath. Life is a series of go - go - go -- punch, kick, squat, plank, sprint, crunch, push up, knee high - and just like in KB if you forget to breathe, your body quite quickly reminds you of that vital necessity and will force you to take that breath.

How true is that for my life?! I am guilty for getting caught up in life -- not all negative, much of it good - working me, stretching me, challenging me, yet I do forget to breathe.

I want to be able to enjoy the process of "working out" and I can't unless I remember to breathe.