I get to work with a lot of really amazing women every day. They’re smart, funny, motivated to get healthier, and they work really hard.

One thing that consistently surprises me however, is that many of these very athletic women do not actually consider themselves to be athletes.

In this post, I’d like to challenge you to rethink the way you see yourself. You do not have to compete to be an athlete.

If you lift weights, walk, jog, run, hike, bike, play pickleball or any other recreational sport with any regularity, you are an athlete in my “expert” opinion!

I’ve been a personal trainer since 2008 and I’ve had the pleasure of working with hundreds of women since starting my business. They come to learn how to be stronger, more fit, more flexible, and to eat healthier.

Essentially, they learn how to move better so they can continue to engage in the activities they love while living their lives. To me, that is the epitome of an athlete!

• When you ride your bike, you are an athlete.

• When you walk, jog, run or hike, you are an athlete.

• When you run around the backyard or park with your grandchildren, you are an athlete.

• As long as you are moving regularly in any capacity, you are an athlete.

Challenging our self perceptions can be very gratifying.

Chances are (if you are reading this blog) you are a strong, competent and athletic woman.

Let yourself believe that fully and keep moving every day so you don’t ever have to stop!

Action Steps:

• Consider what activities you engage in regularly that allow you to think of yourself as an athlete.

• Enjoy that feeling and do more of those activities and anything else you can imagine that would be fun or satisfying to you.

• Embrace and value your athletic self!