What’s working? I finally made exercise a priority
One thing that is different for me this time is that I have put health and fitness at the top of my priority list, no excuses. In the past, it was what I tried to fit in after I took care of everything else — which mean it slipped off the list altogether before too long. Oh, but I’m busy and I have to do this and that and this and…
The Happiness Project has an interesting post today: Exercise: A quiz — Are you a likely exercise drop-out?
Gretchen points out that even the President of the United States makes time to exercise every day. {must… avoid… snide… political… comments… about… current… administration…}
I have certainly found the time, by doing a few simple things:
- Getting rid of preconceptions about what was “right” and what “worked for me.” I just do it. Sometimes early. Sometimes late. Sometimes during a conference call. In the house. Out of the house. I just know I have to do X before I go to bed and if I didn’t find a way to do it during the day, I’ll be getting on my exercise bike at 11pm. Believe me, that was no fun and I think that’s the only time it ever happened.
- I have lots of options for all occasions. Working at home? Videos and exercise equipment. Time to go out? Swim or walk/run at the YMCA. On a business trip? Hotel gym or video played on laptop. Need fresh air? Walk or bike. Kids? Do something they can do with me or that I can do near them while they play or take them to YMCA Playhouse. I know there is always something I can do somewhere no matter the circumstance.
- I also started by promising myself I wouldn’t do anything I didn’t like just because I felt I “should” do it. Intuitive Exercising?
Now, I’m a little more utilitarian and sometimes will do something I don’t particularly love, but for convenience and the results, not because I feel I “should”. - I also figured out what motivated me. Exercising for an hour because I should because I might lose weight one day doesn’t do it for me. Exercising to see how much more I can do or faster I can go, or exercising to complete a public challenge like the Lazy Waister’s Triathlon — those types of things motivate me. Speaking of which, now that I completed the triathlon, I need to commit to my next challenge to keep going!
Is exercise a struggle? If so, what are your excuses? How can you tackle them? If not, what did you find that works for you? Inquiring minds want to know!
Loading ...
it’s SOOOO not a struggle anymore. I love the way I feel during and after~~~
This time around I have figured out—-it’s NOT about losing weight!!!!!! It’s about being healthy, active, and ALIVE!! Losing the weight is just an effect of this new way of living!
GO US
Annette, that’s such an excellent point — when I really focus on weight loss, I yoyo or just gain. But when I focus on activity and challenges and other stuff, it’s a nice side effect.
I have plenty of exercise excuses: no time, it’s too cold, it’s too hot, forgot to wash my workout clothes, what if people stare, etc. But once I start, I have no problems sticking with it until something makes me change (sickness, work schedule changes). I like your tips and I’ll be figuring out my answers to keep me from falling on excuses again!
Ooh, Jodi — good point. Once I have the routine, I’m pretty good at sticking with it. But changes to the routine — everything’s out the window for me. I have a business trip coming up in about two weeks and will have to develop some strategies to stick with it! I’m checking the hotel gyms and I have a exercise DVD with me, plus I’m going to try to get out to walk a bunch. But I will need to figure out my schedule (plan A and plan B). That will be the challenge.
Everytime I focus on losing weight, I want to give up if I don’t lose enough. I get so obsessed, I just focus on feeling better.
Exercise is my everyday struggle. Every time I gain weight I bring up the fact that I have not found some exercise I love and that’s why I don’t work out…
I have every exercise excuse known to man/woman!
I loved your post it made me think about making the time to do it and not sitting back and waiting for the exercise lover fairy to drop in. LOL
I waited for the motivation fairy myself, Julie, before I realized that motivation was going to come from action, alas! I totally understand.
After many months of on and off exercise (usually 3 days a week), I committed to training for a marathon, and that did it.
I told a couple of friends and family I was on my way to 26+ miles, and now I’m going.
I love my race walking, I love the sun, I love the pictures I take along the way.
For me, I’m a winner the minute I finish the race. I have 5 months to train, but I’ll be there and plan on finishing…………:)