Why I Love BodyBuilding.com
Since I joined this site in February this year…I have been hooked . No matter how hard I try to stay away, I end up logging on. Part of my recovery plan as an alcoholic is based tremendously on avoiding depression. My love of fitness and thirst for knowledge has kept it at bay now. In December this year, I will be 2 years sober.
Last week, I visited California for the first time. As I drove through San Diego with my husband, I was not taking in the beautiful scenery. I was amazed and impressed with the number of people out walking and running. Watching the sweat pour off these folks opened my eyes to something missing in my life here in Illinois ( I am originally from MA). I felt the heartbeat of fitness there. It made me smile more than the beautiful palms on the streets. I love my home here, I am blessed with a community known for it’s wonderful schools etc. My children will always come first. But, as I drive through town here…the main gym (you know, the hard core sweatshop, we all know where one is)…anyways, this gym is closed. Five minutes in the other direction, a personal training center is closed also. There is a different perspective here about life and happiness. I am sure I am broadbrushing everyone, there are people like me here I am sure…I just haven’t met more than one. She was the owner of an all woman’s gym that I joined as I started to pursue my love. That gym also closed. She helped me obtain my NASM personal training cert.
So back to the point..there is a heartbeat here that I NEED to keep going. I can’t find anything even remotely close except for the hundreds of fitness mags in my house. But those are not alive . I have learned more here in 7 months than all the mags combined. The people here keep my fire burning, and I can’t thank all of you enough for helping me. I had to write about this …my husband understands the most. He supports all the time I put in here and knows it helps distract my tendency to isolate myself. Gosh I love this place!!
September 16, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Congrats on ALL of you successes….not only here, but in life. You are someone I admire and want to be more like. Your ability to maintain a family and a strong body and mind are very much respected. Keep up all that you do!
September 16, 2008 at 8:32 pm
I couldn’t agree more! Finding this place and my personal trainer were the key to any success I’ve had.
September 16, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I am in total agreement with you re this place - it’s like my lifeline to be able to communicate with people who are on the same journey that I am. I congratulate you and your sobriety, and your beautiful spirit. Good job, girl!
September 16, 2008 at 10:41 pm
After reading the above, I am all the happier we are Friends, we have so much in common…
FazerFX
September 18, 2008 at 5:44 am
Wow! I didn’t know that…congratulations! Funny, I don’t even read magazines anymore because I have also learned more on here than I have in years of training and reading magazines. This place also helps with me with my homesickness. I get anxiety attacks thinking about being away from my family. I hate it in Kansas but everyone on bodyspace keeps me motivated and seems everyone here is truly trying to help each other.
September 21, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Your thoughts on California and the fitness lifestyle were similar to how I felt when I moved to Houston three years ago. I think its because it is so warm around there year round and people can’t hide under sweatshirts, coats and long sleeves for months like in the northeast. The gyms were open 24 hours.
I just saw your letter in the new issue of Muscle and Fitness Hers. Great !
September 24, 2008 at 4:35 am
I enjoyed reading this blog. I also am a grateful recovering alcoholic. I will have 2 yrs in Feb, 09. Workingout and trying to transform my body keeps me focused and keeps away the depression. I don’t have time to be depressed. I know this is what my higher power intended for me and I’m glad I’m able to give myself the chance to be that person. I like this alot better than lying on the sofa feeling trepped in my own body because I’m so sick I can’t move. I’m glad your on here and much luck to you. One day at a time baby.
September 30, 2008 at 7:23 am
Hey Sudsy Baby!
My sentiments exactly! I feel lost in my world where no one in my family or friends share in my life of health and fitness. BB.com is my outlet; I’m totally addicted. You are a true inspiration to me as well! Love your spirit, ethic and knowledge!
God Bless you on your sobriety and may you have many more years. Keep doing what you’re doing; it’s working very well.
September 30, 2008 at 7:58 am
Very nice blog and so well put! There is a diiferent health vibe on the west coast entirely which I just do not have access to in rural MIssouri. Totally relate on the depression angle as well. Keep it going Amy! XOXO
September 30, 2008 at 7:58 am
Very nice blog and so well put! There is a diiferent health vibe on the west coast entirely which I just do not have access to in rural MIssouri. Totally relate on the depression angle as well. XOXO
October 22, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Congradulations on overcoming your struggle. Having support from those close to you and from total strangers like those on this forum only feeds the will to succeed. Just like you are inspired by the culture of health and physical fitness in California, there are many people who you encounter every day in the community or log on to your blog and are inspired to take better care of themselves and feel good about the results. Helping others is its own reward.