Why is it that falling back into bad habits, is much easier that getting back in to your good habits?
Example, why can I hit snooze for an hour in the morning and skip my workout, when I know that if I just get up, and get it done, I am going to be energized for the day and have a little extra pep in my step? Also while knowing, there is no way that a post-work workout is happening, because it’s too late/dark/I’m hungry/tired/enter lame excuse here. Why is that?
This has been my struggle for the past three weeks, I can count the number of times I have worked out/ran on one hand. I am not being hard on myself though, I did have a lot going on. Call me a fitness junkie, or obsessed, but I just don’t feel like my usual self without my routine. I thought that once we were somewhat settled in a new home, and I was going through my daily work routine, that falling back into my workout routine would be easy.
The funny thing is, when I talk to people who spout off these same excuses to me I usually give them some suggestions on what to do. Sometimes your own advice is the hardest to remember/take. Here’s a few pieces of my own advice that I am taking.
- Sign up for a race : Yesterday I signed up and paid for, this part is key money seems to keep me accountable, my second half-marathon in November. If biking is more your thing find a local bike race to train for. Obstacle course challenges look fun. Or if you are really ambitious, train for a triathlon.
- Join a training group : Along with signing up for an event see if there is also a training group attached to that event. I see this a lot. I trained for my first 5k with a group and it made a world of difference in my accountability. It’s fun to work out with a group of people with the same goal in mind, there are coaches there to teach you things you may not know, plus you might make some new friends in the process. I signed up for the training program for my HM, the program started 2 weeks ago so I’m hoping that the scheduled 6 mile run doesn’t kill me…eek!
- Find a group fitness activity & gym I like : I love the class atmosphere, the camaraderie, and the accountability of a group fitness setting. Unfortunately, there is not a Karna Fitness class offered in ATL. I have been researching local boot camps, gyms and fitness studios to see what class types and times fit into my schedule. Today I researched some crossfit boxes, some which also offer yoga classes which is awesome. I just wish the crossfit price tag weren’t so high! I also will join a gym so that I have access to a treadmill since the early morning’s are dark and not safe for running alone. Maybe I’ll just buy a treadmill. Has anyone ever purchased a used one? Thoughts, please.
- Keep an exercise, food and gratitude journal : I basically like eat my feelings. If I’m feeling good it’s because I am eating good and getting plenty of exercise, journaling what I eat and how I feel makes me remember that. It’s how I know that soy and gluten both leave me feeling tired, foggy headed and bloated! Staying positive and remembering the good things will keep me motivated and inspire me to keep pushing myself each day.
What do you do to keep your good habits in check?
Is Crossfit worth the price tag?
