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Where I grew up was very outdoorsy, so it was the norm to be into ice skating, hiking, mountain climbing, cycling, cross country skiing, etc. I was actually quite good at field hockey in school; not because of any extraordinary talent, but because I learned to use my short stature and speed to my advantage. After school ended, I really didn't take care of myself so I was always a sickly kind of skinny... which for some reason I saw as the ideal physique. Anyway, a few years back I started working at the front desk and daycare room of a gym, and seeing all of those healthy, muscular bodies really inspired me to rethink about what the ideal body should look like. Being too proud and stubborn to ask for advice, I fell into the typical female trap of a whole lotta cardio and barely any weightlifting. Long story short, a well-meaning friend and personal trainer intervened and talked me into slowing down on the cardio and lifting heavier. The advice was heeded, I drastically changed my diet (I was veg'n for 26 years) and I've have steadily transformed from weak and skinny-fat to strong and toned. I still do a double-take when I pass a mirror.
No one in my family is a body builder but my Dad always did pushups and situps a few times a week before work and my mom always hit the fitness center after work. Additionally, my Dad was a high school swimming coach and both my aunt and uncle regularly participated in 10k's. Skiing was also a huge part of family life for everyone on my moms side.
I have continued that theme doing just a few sets of pushups, chin-ups, and some type of ab exercise about three times each week. I'm no Chris Hemsworth but I'm fit and have decent muscle definition. I also ski or snowboard regularly and am an avid mountain biker.
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