One of the best compliments I have ever received occurred today while I was in a pre-screening booth at The Big Save event, which is an annual Canadian blood donation initiative sponsored by professional sport teams and their backing sponsors.
A friendly lady named Claire had just finished taking my blood pressure when an enormous smile danced across her bright face as she looked at the heart monitor.
"You must be an athlete!"
I was confused. I mean, I do work out 3-4 times a week, but I wouldn't consider myself an athlete. It just seems too hardcore a label, but my heart proved otherwise.
"By your heart rate, I can tell you're athletic.You must run or spin, right?"
I do! But I didn't realize the amazing effect it had on my heart. My resting heart rate is 59 BPM which according to this chart, among others, indicates that I am an athlete (ok, so it's on the cusp of 'Athlete' and 'Excellent'. Who wouldn't love to hear that?!? My hemoglobin level also indicates how optimal my health is, as did my blood pressure, which means I am just shy of being real a super hero.
Wow. Not only am I building muscle and firming up, but my heart is fit too, which is even more important as I get older.
A healthy heart is really where it all begins and ends. I'm so proud to know that all my hard work is paying off. We tend to forget the reason why we work out. I initially did it because I wanted to lose weight. Then I kept doing it because it was fun and I felt so great after each session. Now I realise that having a healthy heart is really more important than any of that.
I guess our priorities change as we get older. :)
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