At least two years ago, I was working out with a trainer when he had me do a box jump.  This was a first for me.  Jumping and explosive movements are not my forte.  I prefer to stay firmly grounded.  So I'm scared, but I go for it with all the gusto that I have….  And…. My toes clip the edge of the box and I fall backwards onto my booty in front of the whole gym.  Now, was everyone watching?  Of course not.  But, did I feel like they were? Absolutely. I laughed it off, but it stuck with me.  Since that day, I have not attempted another box jump.

You may not know this about me but I love the Biggest Loser.  I named my dog after Jillian Michaels.  I went to the Biggest Loser 5k in Chicago a few times.  I find it extremely inspiring to see all these people doing things they thought were impossible.  Now, don't go saying that it is an unrealistic reality tv show.  I totally get that.  I still find it very inspiring.  

The new season of the Biggest Loser started a few weeks ago on the USA Network.  In the second episode there is a woman (Phi) that just pulls at my heart.  She attempts a box jump for the first time.  She didn’t do it on the first try.  But, she did on the second!  I was extremely inspired watching her.  Here was this woman giving her all.  Why couldn't I do it?   So, I decided to reach out to her because I wanted her to know that she inspired me to want to try it again.  Here was her response.  

"Keep up at it and try again!!!! Listen you see I almost fell myself but I'm keeping at it and challenging myself.!!  I'm glad I can inspire, but let's do this together!  When are WE going to try again!!!"

Honestly, I found her response to be both inspiring and intimidating.  Not only was this woman telling me that I could do it…she wanted to do it with me, in a supportive sense.  Now that's pressure.  So, this morning I went to PF to do my usual Sunday morning strength routine.  I planned to try a box jump at the end of the workout.  The closer it got to the end, the more nervous I got.  When it came time to confront the bench/platform, I stood their paralyzed with fear.  But, I knew I had to try because someone was counting on me to try again.  I decided to take baby steps and start with weight plates instead of the platform.  Check this video out to see what happened…

I sent the end of the video to Phi to show her what I had done.  Sometimes we need support to help us get over our fears!