Warning:  If you are a man reading this, it’s about to get very girlie…

Listen people, I do not enjoy working out.  I LOVE finishing working out.  BIG difference, folks.  Do not be fooled by the “charm” of this gym and that class and THOSE people.  Runners who eventually become swimmers.  Swimmers who become water aerobic junkies (I love water aerobics, by the way).  I’m a very proficient walker.  You walkers, you’re my people.  I love you.

I have been graced and given many chances a life, a couple of times over.  Nothing for free, though.  Ovaries out at 36 + no chance at hormone-replacement therapy= early, way early, did I say early, menopause.  Yep.  Awesome.  But, I’m here.  I’m alive.  So, I’m good.

A little history:  I am a carrier of the BRAC2 gene which led to my breast cancer diagnosis at 32, then to an ovarian cancer scare at 36.  Soooo, Grace to be God~ no cancer there in those ovaries.  BUT, no ovaries there now either.  Estrogen fed tumor in the breast cancer and subsequent Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors means no hormone replacement options.

Those special ladies who fall into this category find themselves focused on the increased risk of Osteoporosis and Cardiovascular disease.  Can I get an AMEN, ladies!?

INSERT “weight-bearing” exercise HERE.

I have been exercising since the age of 16.  I am the runner-turned-swimmer.  I am the way-back-when Step Aerobics instructor.  Now, I am the 46 year old gal lifting weights for those bones.  ALL of you ladies need to pay special attention to those bones, ya know.  I am simply ahead of my time (insert a bragging tone here) meeting menopause sooner than some.  I have a spin class that I attend weekly and  I B*T^H the entire time.  “Are we finished yet?!”  The instructor tolerates me, so well.  She shouts out cheerful encouragements and I am catching my exercises-every-day-but-still-can’t-breathe breath. And she loves us so much that she finishes her class with strength training.  I do not enjoy it until it’s over, but my heart thanks her.  And I LOVE those spin class friends.

With the trials of a cancer diagnosis, coupled with another cancer scare, I am bound for years of follow-ups and scans.  One scan diagnosed me with “Osteopenia (the precursor to osteoporosis).”  Hi, cute Sally Field and the osteo prescription ad on television.  I think you’re fab, but I’m not ready for you.  SO…

Off to the world of kettlebells, dumbbells (DUMB bells:),  and one great trainer who knows his *%#+.

Scan away, doc… scan away.  I just kicked Osteopenia’s a#s… and I have the results to prove it.  Lift up your muscles girls, lift up your bones, and lift up your heart…and thanks be to God for the opportunity to do it.  I am humbled by the grace in the suffering that we call “exercise.”   lol.

Get your vitamin D, girlfriends.  Get those weights.  Walk your #%^es off.  Or, at least try.  (My #%^ actually follows me everywhere so there’s no gettin’ rid of it.)

#holykitt#spotthecross#blogginforchrist#theset#spinchagrin#youbetterwork#osteoporosis#sallyfield