I must brag a bit today about one of my clients who has recently released 110 pounds so far. His name is Pete and he’s almost 70 years old. There’s a mountain near his home in Oregon that he hasn’t climbed since he was a kid and his goal has been to climb it once again. So we’ve been training for just that! He’s never been afraid of the climb, but instead the decent has been holding him back. He’s afraid he may fall. Just as in life most people are not afraid to climb to get to the top and reach their goal, it’s the journey of the decent…the fear of falling that keeps people from ever climbing and reaching their goal in the first place.

In life there are ups and downs. It’s just a reality. But, both can be beautiful and an opportunity to grow. What if you could embrace the climb and the decent of your goals without fear and allow God to lead your steps and carry you through? Surrendering to what may or what may not happen…knowing that you are in good hands with your Heavenly Father. Well, that’s what Pete finally did. He made it up and down the steep terrain with confidence and a new level of surrender and peace.

It’s similar to those moments in life that you look back and say…”Wow, how did I ever make it through that situation?” But, once you’ve been through it, the situation doesn’t seem as bad as the fear made it out to be. If you train for your goals, like Pete (mentally, physically, and spiritually), then you’ll learn to embrace each step of your wellness journey with peace and with great success.

One of the leg exercises that Pete did often to get ready for the “big hike” were lunges. Lunges are simple, but powerful if practiced correctly. When you perform lunges, make sure that you have a wide stance with one leg behind the other. As you lunge down slowly, make sure your front knee doesn’t jet out over the toe. Keep it in alignment with the heel of your foot. After lunging down, then slowly press up to straighten the legs, making sure to press your weight through the heel of your front foot. Practice 3 sets of 15 on each leg.

Psalms 37:23-24 reads:

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.”

What a great promise to give you confidence in every step you take this week – the Lord will hold your hand and guide you!