For a number of reasons, my workouts have been slacking lately, which totally isn’t like me. Not even a little bit. Some of my reasons are legit, and others are probably a stretch.
I had braces installed on my grill and it took me a week to adjust to my new level of discomfort and to learn how to eat again. It’s the little things, right (sorry a little sarcasm oozed out there). Plus, I was too embarrassed to have everybody see the braces, so I skipped the gym, which was a horrible idea. Nothing robs you of your confidence like no exercise, coupled with a metal mouth.
I did get some really bad blisters on the heels of my feet, which broke open and became bloody messes and sneakers were nearly impossible. I literally hobbled around the first couple days, so I used that as another excuse to skip the gym, and that might have been fine for a day or two, but not a week. I know my feet were funky (and not in that way, because they smell like roses), but there was nothing wrong with my arms, my shoulders, my core…you get the idea.
I’ve been super busy at work, so I haven’t taken the time to hit up the gym on my lunch hour. I convinced myself my time would be better spent wrapping up a huge project than getting my sweat on, and that actually was true for one or two days, but not all the days. I can also say with certainty, I accomplish more and overall work better and smarter when I take time to step away and exercise. It helps me manage my stress, which means I’m happier. Take it from me, HAPPINESS, along with HEALTH is EVERYTHING.
What amazes me is no matter how much of a workout buff you are, once you drop that routine, for whatever reason, it’s so damn easy to talk yourself out of doing it again; like ridiculously easy.
I started hitting the gym again this week, and it feels good. It feels really good, although I’m not gonna lie; I’ve had to argue with myself every single day just to get there and then to show up. It’s been tough, and that’s the point of this whole post. I struggle too sometimes. I know you all think I’m Iron Man. You do right? If not, then I missed a step along the way because I certainly like to think of myself that way (she says, while thumping chest wildly). I mean really, who wouldn’t?
The plus side of all this is I walk away from every workout feeling just a little bit better about myself. I’m mentally stronger and feel refreshed; going to the gym has been more invigorating than taking an entire day off of work.
I’m starting to get my swag back, which is a great thing for my Hubby. More swag equals more confidence, which leads to more bedroom antics, which turns into a stronger marriage. So the number one reason to workout is to strengthen your marriage by making mad monkey love. Bet ya didn’t see that one coming.
Why do you go the gym? What benefits do you get from it? When you struggle, how do you overcome it?
I can’t imagine feeling like working out with an achy mouth full of braces. But getting back into the swing of the gym DOES feel good. I took a couple extra days off this week, no guilt included since I just needed (wanted?) a break, but getting back this morning felt faaaaabulous. Now I just need to find a mad monkey love partner…
I’ve seen your mad monkey love partner or at least a decent substitute in the interim.
A few days off can be great, but I took way more than that and now I’m struggling to get back into my groove. Although I did a Zumba class today (my first time ever) and man it was tough. More so than I would have thought. I was a sweaty mess, and let me tell you, those girls can shake their hips. They’d put Shakira to shame and I’m sure they’ve got the market cornored on mad monkey love.
Not being able to workout for a few weeks was KILLING me but I swear my muscles actually grew, crazy right, I think I needed the rest! Overtraining is bad news so I am trying to do yoga instead of a strength/cardio workout some days! My hubby stopped working out and I noticed it in his confidence levels, I totally agree, more confidence= BETTER SEX and with that means even more CONFIDENCE! Gad you got your SWAG back on 😉 Have a great weekend! Love + Shine CourtStar
It was making me crazy too, but I kept finding excuses. Sadly, my muscles did not grow while I was away (I’m totally jealous of that) but I’m back now or at least have been for the last few days.
I think you can overtrain and I think sometimes you just need to mix it up a little. It’s easy to get bored.
So I’m about to leave to go home right now, but I just wanted to say that this post gave me a good feeling. I’m going to come back this weekend and leave a nice long comment! 🙂
I love that it gave you a good feeling and can’t wait for your nice long comment.
First off, I’m still smiling from that mad monkey love comment. Lol. Definitely caught me off guard. Your logic is light-years ahead of everyone else 😀
Moving onto the part about excuses… My main form of exercise is walking to and from my classes everyday. I walk pretty dog on fast and usually am out of breath by the time that I make it to that last class of the day which is 15 minutes away and up three flights of stairs. Still, that really isn’t enough cardio.
My excuses include everything from: I’m a student, I should be studying instead of worrying about working out (False. Working out is definitely more important than pretending to study and actually watching Hulu instead). Also, I use the excuse that it’s not warm outside yet. I’ve never liked going to the gym and have always preferred going outside, but with Ohio weather the right temperatures are only hear for about half of the year (Lame!). And finally, I make excuses because of my screwy digestion. Yes, my stomach doesn’t like it when I run, walk too fast, etc. It actually screams sometimes, but I’ve powered through much worse. Besides, everything gets better with time, right?
And I think my biggest problem is just like you said. I’ve been making excuses for so long that it just gets easier and easier to keep making them.
*Sigh* I both hate it and love it when you’re right. I think I’ll start this weekend with making more of an effort. I’m not saying that I won’t be grumpy while doing it though….
Oh, and I always thought of you as more like Thor than Iron Man. You know, slamming down mugs demanding more coffee. 😉 …. And some of my favorite lines from that movie: “This mortal form has grown weak. I need sustenance!” And “You’re big. I’ve fought bigger” right before he attacks that hulk-of-a-guy. Haha.
You’re not alone. I, too, hate it and love it when I’m right, and I’m thrilled with the Thor reference, especially from Avengers. That movie was fabulous. Did you know it was filmed in Cleveland, literally outside my work office. I have grainy, from a windown, film footage, which I will now have to send to you. It was a huge deal for us Clevelanders.
Good luck with working out or just getting more active; pick something you enjoy and try to have fun with it.
P.S. Are you in Ohio too?
Yep. I’m in Ohio too. Lovely weather we’re having, aren’t we? 😀
I think I knew that it was filmed in Cleveland. That’s so awesome that you got pictures. I love Thor!
Ohh my gosh I was NOT expecting the monkey love statement..can I get an AMEN!! HAHAHAHA. I hear ya though, falling off the wagon for even a couple days is sometimes hard to jump back on. I still don’t understand the braces thing though, I love braces and I think they are COOL!! I would totally come be your gym friend if I saw you with braces..ok I am just weird I know it. GO MAKE SOME MONKEY LOVE!
You can get an Amen! And I’ll raise you a Hallelujah.
I find your love of braces utterly fascinating.
I remember those teeth aches… oy. Take some Mortin!!!
I love that first graphic – I have it pinned and I smile everytime I see it. 🙂
It makes me smile too. Definitely gets me motivated.
I have sucked over the past month getting Reformed in my basement.
However, I’m rocking the dog walking since I got the Map My Walk app.
I need help getting down into the basement and getting started, because once I’m on the machine I’m having so much fun I won’t stop until I complete my workout. It’s the getting on in the first place.
I like your visual aids–motivational. I need that.
Glad to hear it. You can do it; I know you can. Winter just makes us sloth like, especially in Ohio but we’re getting closer now, and short sleeve weather is coming. Then you’ll be all about hitting up the Reformer. Go do it. You know you want to…
So true– sometimes it’s really really tough to get to the gym, but afterwards, it feels so good mentally
Ain’t that the truth.
I HATE when I lose my workout MOJO! It usually takes me a few weeks to get it back. I find that I overcome it by readjusting my expectations and recognizing that my body (and sometimes my mind) need a vacation from the intense exercise. Hang in there and keep posting funny pics like the top one!
You’re right. Sometimes its your body’s way of saying I need a break, but it’s always so hard getting started again. Glad you like the pics.
Great motivational tips! Achy braces are the worst 🙁
Thanks Sunny.
“…once you drop that routine, for whatever reason, it’s so damn easy to talk yourself out of doing it again…” <- SOOOOO true! Just before my knee started really giving me grief, I was already struggling with my workouts. I was going, but I wasn't really feeling motivated…kinda half-assing most of my workouts. Then, just as I begin to pick up and find my stride again…BAM! Torn meniscus! Now…as I sit on my rear for the…umm, what are we at now (counts on fingers)?…FOURTEENTH day in a row?!?! I am telling myself, I will NEVER complain about working out again! Especially since my pathetic excuse for a leg is not only swollen and sore, but suffering from muscle atrophy because the damn doctor didn't give me any instructions on what to do in the week following surgery. Oh yeah, I'm not bitter about it…much.
You say the word, I’ll go kick that doctor’s ass. 🙂
WAY TO GO on hitting the gym.. I find that on the days I know I should go but really don’t want to, the “rip the band-aid off” approach works i.e I don’t give myself the option to think of more excuses and just go. Other times I tell myself that I can come home after 20 minutes- that’s never happened as the endorphins always kick in and lure me to finish my workout. However all that being said, sometimes taking a few days/weeks off is the best alternative to recharge me both physically and mentally.
I like the “rip the Band-Aid off” approach. I’ve never heard it described quite that way, but I find it highly appealing.
It’s safe to say I had my couple weeks off, and now I’m just struggling to get it back on track again. Although after this week, I think I might be ok. I went to the gym Tuesday – Friday so two snaps and a twirl from me. Is it weird I gave myself snaps? Nah.
Oh I’m sure your hubby is one happy man 😉 😉 That boy must be getting loads of hanky pankyyy!!
I’d say we’re both feeling pretty lucky right now. 😉
I bet after your recent time apart, you and Joshua could say the same. Hmmm.