When I give people lifestyle suggestions for improving their health, I don’t always get a warm, fuzzy reaction.
This is especially true when it comes to exercise!
I’ve seen the glares, eye rolling and frowning when I’ve dared to mention the “E” word many a time.
And a number of people have said things to me like, “Exercising comes so easy to you. You have no idea how hard it is for me to motivate myself.”
Excuse me?!
Easy?
Uh, no.
While I have certainly embraced what fitness has done for my health and would never be without exercise in my life, I too have days where I would rather jump off a bridge than work out.
Here’s a peek into my world on a recent day that was just like that:
7:50 am: Just finished writing my email for the day and now it’s time to work out. I should do a 10-mile run today, but I just don’t feel like it. My hamstrings are sore from the 10-miler I did three days ago and I don’t have a lot of energy.
8:00 am: Well, I’ll get started and see how much I can get done. Even a short workout is better than none at all, right? Five sprays of Hydroxaden 2.5 will make sure vitamin B12 is helping my energy level. J Treadmill, here I come. “Call me” by Blondie is blaring on my iPod.
8:30 am: OK, I’ve done three miles so I could right quit now and be proud that I technically did a workout. But I am feeling a little more energized than when I started and my hamstrings have loosened up, so I’ll stay on for a little while longer. Aretha Franklin’s “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?” is keeping me going.
9:15 am: It seems like I’ve been on this God-forsaken treadmill forever and I could scream. I would love nothing more than to turn it off and take a long hot shower. But I’m already at 7.5 miles—just another 25 minutes to go to reach my goal. I’ll just keep putting one foot in front of the other and see how far I get. “Let it Ride” by Bachman-Turner Overdrive is keeping me pumped.
9:40 am: Aaahhh—all done and cooling down! This was one of the really tough days, but it’s when you push yourself through on the toughest days that you truly shine and should take tremendous pride in your efforts. And the perfect cooldown song is playing—“Drive” by the Cars.
9:45 am: Yikes! I really need that long hot shower now! I’m a touch embarrassed letting you see the “less glamorous” side of me, but I’m actually very proud of the sweat.
YOU can persevere too!
I know working out can be tough. I know you’re tired. I know you haven’t got a lot of time. I know you’ve got to go to work, get the kids off to school, prepare for a meeting, clean the toilet, do the laundry or take the dog to the vet.
But do something.
Even a short workout is better than none at all.
Put one foot in front of the other and don’t quit on yourself.
Make a playlist (like I did) of songs that pump you up and motivate you, or put a TV near your workout area and watch your favorite shows.
Do it for YOU.
You’re worth it.
Holistic Blends 