Last fall, I decided to leave my previous gym and step through the doors of Farrell’s. It was scary, exciting, and a little bit intimidating all at once. The first gym I attended was with personal trainers who could show you how to use the equipment. They could also help you create a routine designed to help you meet your goals, but there was still something missing there for me.

When I leaped outside of my comfort zone to Farrell’s, I discovered an environment that is fun, engaging, and encouraging. (It also helps to have some of your friends there - not going to lie!) During kickboxing class, your fellow participants cheer you on. And while that’s not my sole motivation for attending (I also wanted something with accountability and a nutrition program), it is nice to hear that encouragement, as someone who previously suffered from very low self-esteem issues.

Sure, I have my moments when I think, “Oh my shirt’s too tight today, I shouldn’t be here,” or “Holy cow, is this workout ever going to end?”

And perhaps you’re wondering, “Isn’t Farrell’s a bit extreme for someone who’s supposed to be super spiritual?”

Well, for one, I think some of the ideas we have about “super” spiritual people are highly inaccurate.

Second, even though “Extreme” is literally in the name, I would have to say, "No."

Sure, there are other effective ways of moving the body: yoga, pilates, walking, running, weight-lifting, swimming, etc. And all are valid. What I’ve come to not just realize, but also to integrate, is the concept of balance.

With Farrell’s, I’ve discovered that it does more for my physical and mental strength than working with weight machines ever did. Even amid the loud music and the teacher shouting instructions, I have found that I can enter a meditative state while punching and kicking the bag on kickboxing days.

Now, when I hold a larger bowl over my client during a session, I don’t feel as much strain in my back, and my arms don’t get tired so quickly.

I also find that when I stand up off my stool during a Reiki session, my hips don’t pop.

Oftentimes, when I walk through the Farrell’s doors and step onto the mat, I’m reminded of a moment I had with one of my clients. During our initial consultation, she said, “One of my goals is to be mobile at 80.” (She brought this intention into the session because she wanted to see if her Spirit team had any suggestions for her physical health.)

And I remember thinking, “That is such a badass (and important) goal.”

When we take care of our bodies with movement, lots of clean water, and healthy food, we become clearer. Our minds are clearer and our hearts are clearer. And when we take care of our Spirits by pursuing things that bring us joy and peace, we welcome more of that into our lives.

So, even though I wanted to stay in bed where it was comfy and I could cuddle with my dog Bailey, I began my morning by walking through these doors at 4:45 a.m. And I remember thinking, “My goal is to be mobile at 80.” Mobile in heart, mind, body, and Spirit.

So, let’s do it.