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Untangling Our Emotions
Health | February 09, 2015
“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear.” – Mark Twain
Often we are entangled by our emotions. Our jobs, our relationships, the daily grind can all ensnare us. Worse, they can form a kind of jungle that’s easy to get lost in. Suddenly, something as seemingly simple as going to the Zgym can feel like an impossible task. It’s as though we need some kind of machete to bushwhack through all that emotional entanglement, but simply can’t.
Instead of struggling through that bewilderment, trying to solve problems that we’ve already over-analyzed to death, we need to find a place within us that provides solace and fortifies us for the challenges that lie ahead.
In my experience, it is often the very thing that I don’t want to do that has proved to be the best way out of the proverbial emotional jungle. And that is exercise. It took a while to figure this out mainly because it does require courage and effort. However, I’m continually amazed at how a clear path opens up in all that mental noise and confusion and leads me out into a healthier emotional space.
I’m guessing some of you have experienced the following at one point or another: A stressful day or week compels you to find some easy way to relax. You consider snacking, television, games, etc. However, some little voice inside of you tells you to workout with me even though it seems like the last thing you want to do. Twenty minutes later, doused in sweat, your muscles on fire, you can’t believe how good you feel. Sure, you exhausted, but in a great, genuinely relaxed way. That jungle of emotions that surrounded your day or week is reduced to a houseplant and is now minor and manageable or, at the very least, not nearly as significant as you thought it was.
It’s as though working out dispels the delusions that make us feel overwhelmed or feel less than who we truly are and hope to become.
As I’ve said before, fitness and wellbeing begin from the inside out. Sure, when you workout with me, it involves outward, physical movements, but the drive, the focus, the courage all begins inside of you.
Tell me about your experiences with exercise and your emotions. This is a good place for us to share with one another and, more importantly, support one another.
Private Member |
ky, usa
I agree whole heartedly that if you just get up and do the workout you will feel SO much better!! Whether its stress, feeling angry, depressed, or some days you just feel “blah”. I like to leave it all on the exercise mat. I don’t know how it gives us a sense of clarity but it does. Thank you Zuzka for helping us to find that courage and get moving for both our physical and mental well being 🙂 <3
Private Member |
Simply, I do not know if it is real you that writes this way. you amaze me every single blog that you post… I love your writing and when I am thinking it can not be you, do not get me wrong I think in all your growth during this years, you came out with some silly frase that only can be you (I LOVE THAT!!!) … I being following you since ever and I am so so happy to be a witness off this huge improve and development of not only a great athlete but yet a successful woman and a lovely human being.
And yes, it is you that came to my mind when I am feeling down and torture me with you have to do exercise!!!
Thanks to continue being you after all… XOXO
Private Member |
Beautifully said 😉
Private Member |
I also really like these posts! It gives me motivation to make fitness a priority in my life and to take care of myself. Most other fitness websites/blogs really focus on the physical aspect and yes, I do want to look good, but the mental change that fitness can bring is just amazing 🙂
Private Member |
I definitely can relate to this post! Exercise is like medicine!! When school, work, and caring for my son becomes hectic, exercise is my only real release of all the stress and tension. It was hard because I used to workout in a gym and would spend an 1hr-1.5hrs there and feel like I would lose so much time being with my son, studying, or sleeping. Then I started working out from home (Insanity), yet it would still take a lot out of my time doing other things. I kind of shamed myself for being so selfish and stopped working out all together. And then I started working out with you every a few time a week and it was a great alternative to what i used to be doing! Today, I workout with you everyday and have ample time to do the things I need to AND have time to spare!
So THANK YOU ZUZKA! You are the healthy balance that I needed in my life!
XOXO
Private Member |
I really resonate with what you say here. The emotional exercise growing just from getting better and better at coping with whatever comes at you during the day, gives more resilience and courage to tackle a workout. I feel like a lot of people wish they were different, either physically or mentally, but they may forget that emotional exercise every day, which entails feeling good feelings even when circumstance may have you do otherwise, is the key to success. I’m so happy that you are leading your pack to develop physical, emotional and mental resilience. You are a great inspiration and a beautiful form of motivation. Blessings
Private Member |
Without the exercice, I will be devastating.
Thank you for your encouragement.
XXX
Private Member |
I’m just now going to gym being tired after work and having cramps and what not…but I won’t miss the workout <3
Private Member |
Zuzka, I couldn’t be more proud to have such a dedicated trainer whose passion inspires me every day. I look forward to continue sweat and train hard with you and yes the drive, the focus, the courage all begins inside of me but it’s also your in couragement and to never give up attitude that keeps me going. I respect and admire your will to help us be in the best shape ever. I worked out all my life and I never had a trainer as caring and persistent as you! ! All my best. Ciao Bella xoxo
Private Member |
I feel like I never really have to push myself to workout with these workouts, because they are so fun and enjoyable to me. Some days I feel more lazy but I always tell myself I only have to try it and if I want to I can stop. The funny part is, once I start the workout I ALWAYS finish it because it is so fun and I feel so great during and after. Thank you for what you do. You really improve my quality of life with these workouts and I love you for that. I am happy that I can share this good feeling with everyone here.
Private Member |
So what you are saying is that when I mess up and eat the wrong thing… I shouldn’t throw in the towel for the day and continue on that path but instead workout… even though I feel fat and bloated and disappointed that I messed up… again:( It makes perfect sense and well easy while writing it out…. but somehow gets hard and un-logical? Weird
Thanks Z for the great article!!!!
Private Member |
ohio, usa
Great post! Before I worked out with you, there was always a possibility I could talk myself out of working out. Now I know that I don’t have to spend an hour plus to get a good, effective workout, there is no other way for me. Thank you for all of the hard work you do to give us great, fun and challenging workouts! You are wise beyond your years Zuzka! 😉