You Don’t Have To Workout; You Get To Workout

How many times have you heard someone say, “I have to work out today”? It’s a simple statement, but the words we use can shape the way we think about training. What if instead of saying “I have to work out,” we said: “I get to work out”? 

That small change in perspective can completely change your relationship with fitness.

You Get To Move

Training is a privilege. The ability to train is a privilege.

You get to walk into a gym, pick up a barbell, run, jump, sprint, swim, ride a bike, play a sport, or simply move your body.

Not every workout will feel amazing. Not every day will be your strongest day. Some days you will feel energized and ready to attack your training. On other days, you may be tired, stressed, or lacking motivation. Life happens, and the noise in the real world can rightfully affect our training mindset, but we can all agree that maintaining a fitness routine keeps us firing on all cylinders and feeling better after our workout.

But regardless of how you feel, you still have the opportunity to move for your own betterment. You have the opportunity to continue to instill good habits and a positive, impactful routine. That is something worth appreciating and not taking for granted.

Instead of viewing your workout as another responsibility on your never-ending to-do list, view it as time you get to invest in yourself.

Training Is More Than Physical

Exercise isn't only about building muscle, losing weight, or improving your personal numbers in the gym. Training builds confidence, discipline, resilience, and mental toughness, along with positive physical impacts.

Every time you SHOW UP when you don't feel like it, you reinforce a valuable habit: you do what you said you'd do. That habit extends far beyond the gym.

The discipline you develop through training can carry over into your career, relationships, education, and everyday life. Learning to push through a difficult workout teaches you to stay composed when things outside the gym get tough. Learning to push through a difficult day and continue SHOWING UP for yourself teaches you resilience.

The goal isn't to love every workout every single day. The goal is to appreciate what the workout is doing for you, that you have the ability to workout and that you get to work out.

On days when I am not as motivated to train, I like to pivot away from the program (from time to time) and pick movements and a training style that fill my cup with joy. I know something will be better than nothing, so why not do something that will also bring me joy?

Change The Language. Change The Mindset.

There's power in changing the way you talk to yourself.

Instead of: “I have to work out.” Try: “I get to take care of my body today.”

Instead of: “I have to go to the gym.” Try: “I get an hour today to focus on myself.”

Instead of: “I have to do this workout.” Try: “I get the opportunity to challenge myself.”

Perspective matters.

Be Grateful For What Your Body Can Do

It's easy to focus on what your body can't do. But take a step back and think about what your body can do. That's worth celebrating and continuing to lean into while training.

Your fitness journey doesn't have to be about constantly finding something wrong with yourself.

It can also be about appreciating what you're capable of while working toward becoming even better. You don’t have to work out - You get to work out - You still have the ability to work out.

Appreciate That You Get To Work Out Amongst Your Peers

I spent six years in a country that catered to the fact that not all women and their families were comfortable with them working out amongst men and others. It put a lot into perspective; the freedom we have here to train amongst all. Not be judged. Not be frowned upon. Only respected and cheered on to continue working towards personal goals and maintaining a daily fitness routine. You don't have to work out - You get to work out, AND you get to work out amongst others.

You don't have to work out.

You GET to work out.

Don't take that opportunity for granted.