It’s time to play again.
I hate to admit it, but Im in the worst shape of my life.
As a kid, I was an athlete, a long-distance runner.
I was the fastest miler in my high school.
Running was both my identity and my self-worth.
I was attuned to every muscle.
Unsplash / Design by Tiana Crispino
In the hardest years of my life, fitness was the way I celebrated being alive.
I acted in plays.
I competed in mock trials.
I even joined the local circus (Im not kidding).
I loved how these new activities didnt require me to push my body until I vomited.
I realized that running hadnt just defined who I was, but it had also consumed it.
Unsplash / Design by Tiana Crispino
Exercise feels like a punishment for leaving the old me behind.
Ive tried to run and Ive dabbled in yoga, but Im inconsistent.
Ive struggled for years to find fun in fitness again.
So I booked the plane ticket.
The group I traveled with scheduled a physical activity (early!)
What was this doing for my body?
Should I have chosen the beach bootcamp?
I knew Id hate it, but at least Id feel the burn.
When I finished the class, I was energized.
I shouldnt have beenId skipped my morning coffee and I had a hungover.
Later, I went water-skiing, a favorite activity from my childhood.
I didnt know you could water-ski, one of my friends said, shocked.
I explained that my family was very athletic.
I did every sport as a kid.
One year, I somehow played both lacrosse and softball in the same season.
Looking around, I suddenly saw the BodyHoliday grounds in a new light.
The nightly games of beach volleyball reminded me of family vacations.
This was a place toplay.
Over the course of my visit, I met many guests who felt the same way.
About 70% are return visitors, and on average, they each stay for over a week.
They meet friends at their activities and sometimes return with those friends years later.
I was starting to understand.
One day, it rained, and our 7 a.m. hike got canceled.
I considered heading back to bed, but I went for a run around the property instead.
I stopped to try the balance beam next to the trail.
I snuck a bite of broadleaf thyme from the garden where the on-site restaurants grow much of their food.
I let myself have fun.
Sports were games, learning experiences, and celebrations.
I realized thats what Ive been missing.
Thats why I love hot yoga once or twice, but I dont want to purchase a 10-class pass.
All the fitness Ive truly loved has been about experiencesnot commitments.
But Ive decided its about the trying itself, and its time to play again.
