WOW: Motivation to Workout

It’s been a long time since I’ve featured Workout Wednesdays, and I haven’t mentioned it on here yet…. but my job has changed again.  Remember when I told you I no longer had that dreadful commute?  Well, it’s back.

With the return of the commute, I’m really having to convince myself EVERY SINGLE DAY to get to the gym.  Add in a dash of single-digit weather… and my workout schedule has slipped significantly.

Yesterday, when I finally convinced myself to hit the gym, I took with me a stack of magazines.  When I read through magazines, I feel like I’m cleaning up my coffee table, motivating myself, AND getting a workout in.  Woo hoo!

I had a copy of Real Simple magazine on the treadmill… and I ran across an article that REALLY resonated with me, that I thought I would share with you.

It was called the Workout Whisperer… GENIUS!  I need a workout whisperer!!!!!  

This article features ways to overcome the most common obstacles associated with hitting the gym.  I’m going to feature two that I struggle with most, but I encourage you to read the full article in Real Simple if you’re struggling with any of the others!

“I don’t have the time”

I seem to think about this one on my commute home every day.  I think of all the things I need to do at the house, and how I want to go to bed early.  Quickly, I begin talking myself out of working out.

In reality, it doesn’t take much time.  ”Too many people think that unless they go to the gym seven days a week for an hour a day, they’re not doing anything.  That’s not the case… You just need a small pocket of time, which most people can find in a day or a week if they look for it.”

The article recommends you simply use your time wisely!  Consider interval training… short bursts of exercise reap great results!  Another great option is to choose a machine where you have to move the majority of your weight yourself (i.e. stepmill or a challenging incline on the treadmill)

It’s too cold/hot/rainy/snowy

It’s January in Colorado… and this is one of my favorite excuses right now.  I say that as I type this post covered in a blanket and positioned in front of the fireplace.  It’s COLD here right now!

Here’s what the author recommends:  ”To get over a little personal discomfort, you need a truly powerful motivator.”

He also suggests that you write down the REAL REASONS behind your desire to exercise.  Not those simple cosmetic reasons we want to hit the gym, but the real deal reasons.  ”You need reasons that are so compelling that you don’t second-guess yourself when it’s time to exercise.”  The article also encourages you to post those reasons on your nightstand, mirrors, and computers for reminder and added inspiration!

I’m going to work a little harder at BOTH of these excuses.  I know they are JUST THAT!  The article also details the following excuses:

I’m not seeing results

I’m excruciatingly bored

My workout buddy dropped out

Check out the full article in the February issue of Real Simple for tips on how to overcome them!

Question:  What’s keeping YOU from the gym these days??

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WOW Randomness

ONE

I spent the night searching HIGH and LOW for my Fitbit.  I adore that little fitness tracker, but what I don’t adore is my sometimes casual nature when it comes to where I leave it.  Ugh!

I can’t stand hide and seek!

My condo was a little out of sorts… things lying about and many things that needed to be put away.  After two days Fitbit Free, I decided enough was enough… and decided to forego the gym in order to find the darn thing.

I cleaned my living room.  NOTHING.  I straightened up my kitchen.  NOTHING.  I even put everything away in my dining room. STILL NOTHING.

I had a feeling it was in my bedroom, and I had already peeked at its favorite hiding places.  I STILL didn’t find it.  Finally, something was telling me it was in my blanket that drapes at the foot of my bed.  Well, it wasn’t, but it was hiding underneath my bed right in that area.

I feel whole again!  Literally for the past two days, I’ve been looking for it… both in my house and and around my waistband.  Since I wear it on my left side, I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve reached down to find that it was missing.

THANK GOODNESS I’ve got it back!  Can’t wait to hit some great numbers tomorrow!

TWO

I’ve been all about the treadmill lately.  Part of it is because I’ve been reading that great book, but another reason is because it just CLEARS my mind.  I absolutely love that after a hard day of work, I can relax and RELEASE on the treadmill.  That steady movement and pace on the treadmill really is monotonous, but in a fabulous way.

About 5 years ago, I took up knitting as a stress reliever.   I read that the monotonous movements of knitting were comparable to meditation.  I honestly see my treadmill time having a  similar result (only I’m burning calories and not creating a masterpiece.)

Now that it’s getting to be fall, I’m really sad I don’t have a chance to walk outside anymore.  Now that it’s getting dark so early, it’s just not a possibility.  I spotted this sunset on the way home tonight, and wish I had a chance to see it from the trails.

I borrowed this from a FB friend, as I was driving when I spotted it and never got a good pic of it. Phenomenal shot!

THREE

We’ve talked before about how I detest the locker room at the YMCA.  Considering my VERY specific food/workout plan I’m executing this week, I packed a bag and headed to the Y after work on Monday.

I headed to the locker room and vowed to very quickly change into my workout clothes.  LIKE LIGHTNING.  I picked what appeared to be an empty bay of lockers…. and as usual, I was like a magnet.  The next person who walked into the locker room OF COURSE had a locker right next to mine.

To make matters MORE FUN, it was a party of three… TEENAGERS.

They were chatty and giggly as all teenagers are, and like most… they were SO not in a hurry.  At this point, I had changed into my tank top, but was still in heels and dress pants.  So, I still had some changing to do.

How about one of the girls had to go to the restroom and the other girls LAID DOWN ON THE BENCH BEHIND ME.  Seriously?  Like right behind my butt.  Sooooo…. how am I supposed to change?  And, seriously, is that the view you want?  I’m thinking NOT.

Is this real life??

To make matters worse, we’ve all seen ladies sit on those benches in various stages of undress.  So gross to purposefully lay there.

As a mature adult, I went to the bathrooms and changed in a stall.   By the time I returned, the young ladies had departed (of course).

Locker Room Lesson:  Never again, locker room, never again!

FOUR

I’ve been participating in Grow Soul Beautiful‘s “Yoga A Day” challenge this week.  The challenge is conducted via Instagram, and I’ve FINALLY joined in as of the 14th of the month.  You can follow me via Instagram at NoThankstoCake to see all my fabulous poses… and honestly, there are TONS of people doing it.  Bloggers and non-bloggers alike… join us!

If you are a yoga fan like me and/or want to try yoga, these daily poses are a great way to do some light daily practice.

The biggest challenge I’m having is taking good pictures.  Here’s my savasana from the 14th.

Please note my lack of creativity in the self portrait. I’m working on this…. It’s bound to get better.  Especially if you join in on the fun and give me some ideas!

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