Say YES!

Say Yes to Adventure: Why Staying Strong Means More Memories

One week from today, I’ll be standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon—heart pounding, legs ready, backpack loaded with water and snacks (lots of fuel to keep me moving).

I’ve been training for this, not just in the last 2 months since I snagged up someone's spot from a cancellation, but for YEARS.

Training workout - 500 weighted step ups to a 20" box while watching Hacks :)

Why? Because I made a choice to stay strong, mobile, and adventurous as I age. I've been consistently moving since I found exercise in college. Although the modalities have changed over the years, I walk more and run less now, I lift more and jump less now... the consistency hasn't.

And now, I get to say YES to something amazing. When the opportunity to climb the Grand came to me, I had a million reasons to say no. Busy time of life, kids, business to run...but do I doubt whether I can do it physically?

That’s the real reason I train. Not just for muscle tone (although I do enjoy wearing tanks), but because I want to live a life full of memories. I want to hike the Grand Canyon, run a local race (www.womens6k.com), say yes to a spontaneous kayak trip, or just try to keep up with my boys when they want to race or lift weights.

Maybe for you, it’s climbing bleachers to watch your grandkids play sports. Or walking the cobblestone streets of Europe without needing a week of recovery. Maybe it’s your first 5K, your first fitness event (hello, Summer Sizzler!), or dancing at a family wedding without knee pain.

Whatever your “Grand Canyon” looks like, exercise gives you the freedom to say yes.

Climbing McKinley monument stairs to prep for the GRAND!

Here’s the thing—when you make strength and movement a consistent part of your life, you’re investing in future you. You’re not just working out for aesthetics (though those are a nice confidence boost), you’re training so your body can take you where your heart wants to go. Bonus your heart, lungs, muscles and bones will all be stronger for it so you can do more for more years!

So—what are YOU training for? What adventure, moment, or everyday magic do you want to say yes to?

Let’s stop working out just to check a box or hit a number on the scale. Let’s train for LIFE. Let’s stay strong so we can keep collecting memories—

one hike, race, event or bleacher climb at a time.

Because that’s what life is really about. 💚💪