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Cat Jones's avatar

When I first started lifting I got a couple sessions with a trainer just to show me some basics. I know I could have figured it out on my own but it helped me get over the mental hurdle that I needed some kind of pass to go into that section, which was the bigger challenge for me. I'm sure it all depends on what gym you go to, but I've found the lifting bros to be less intimidating than they look!

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Elliott San's avatar

I was on a similar cancer-exercise wave length last week. Wonderful writing!

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Mikala Jamison's avatar

Thank you for the mention in this beautiful piece! "But I would gently counter that when I exercise I am not trying to conquer my body, I am trying to become one with it." -- a thousand times yes. I've written some version of this over and over in my book. Great minds ;)

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Martha Bayne's avatar

I can’t wait to add your book to this growing canon ;)

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Sari Botton's avatar

I'm woefully out of the habit of regularly exercising. I know I need to get back in the groove. Thanks for this post. <3

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Mikala Jamison's avatar

Sari, I'd love to know what your favorite kind of exercise has been in the past. Was there ever a type you really liked to do?

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Sari Botton's avatar

I have a complicated relationship to exercise. Like so many women who have had eating disorders and body image issues. I’ve overdone it, and done so many things I hate. Now I have a lot of pain from arthritis, so it’s especially hard to find things that are enjoyable and don’t hurt.

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Kaya Oakes's avatar

Thanks so much for the shout out. I was lifting my puny three pound weights today (thanks, high risk of lymphedema) and realizing hey, this is a lot easier than it was a few months ago. Which means I am actually building muscle. If PT ever clears me to lift anything heavier, I'd be curious to find out what that feels like. This was good inspiration.

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Martha Bayne's avatar

That’s great! (Not the lymphedema risk tho — that’s no fun).

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