Mighty Moms

A friend twisted my arm for months to get me to lead a fitness class for moms.  It was something I had always wanted to do, but I just didn't think anyone else would trust me to train them, much less agree to my goals for the workouts.  So I set a minimum and a maximum and she had the class maxed out by the time the classes began.  I wanted to emphasize spiritual health, inner strength, and wise stewardship of the body God has given each of us, so we may DO the work He has given us more effectively for His glory, NOT our own. I do not ever want to train with those whose only goal is to make the outside fit whatever the culture's ever changing but always impossible standard is for that day and/or to win the approval and attention of man, for we are not mere objects to look upon, but hearts, minds, and souls with infinite value and eternal purpose. Miracle of miracles, all the women who came to the class seemed to have the same goals. 

These less tangible, spiritual goals did not translate into easier workouts, mind you. These women, some who insist they are at least a decade older than I am, may not have known exactly what they were getting themselves into when they registered for the "Mighty Moms" workout group, but they pumped iron with power and perseverance. Martial arts, sports drills, push-ups and pull-ups of every variety, boot camp workouts used to train police officers and military forces, and conditioning exercises developed by/for Olympians and professional athletes were all included. They modified as needed, but these ladies shown here minus a few not pictured DID NOT QUIT!

We’ve each been thrown some tough life situations this past school year with some so devastating, I weep at the mere thought of what they have faced. But through each challenge, God has sustained, strengthened, and carried each one, never leaving or forsaking us (Hebrews 13:5), for He who has promised is faithful. Just as muscle must be torn apart and broken down before it can built back stronger, we have come to the end of ourselves to find His strength is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). It’s through the trials that we gain the most strength (in body, mind, and faith/spirit). Each dedicated "Mighty Mom" has sharpened me as iron sharpens iron and encouraged me in my walk with Christ. It’s been such a blessing and a privilege to spend my mornings with the Mighty Moms, and I thank God for each one of you.

Attention trainers, never take your eyes off your workout partners, because the moment you do, they will snap a photo of you straining during your last rep (lawsie, I hope that was my last rep and that they all didn't look like that!) with YOUR phone as a permanent reminder of how funny you look, and you will not know they took the photo until you find it on your phone much later. You made me laugh, ladies, as I thought I was only uploading pics of dirt from a landscaping project in process. ‪#‎mightymomfun‬ ‪#‎workhardplayhard‬

After receiving some comments about my "guns", for the record, we Mighty Moms usually opt for "concealed carry", but after the moms pulled one over on me with my phone, I had to be a good sport and share. Payback is coming, but I doubt I'll ever catch any of you making a grimace as unflattering as that one. "Grimace and grunt" will be our next motivational motto.

The high school guys left out these ropes which provided a fun workout alternative that made us grimace and grunt.