Its starts with the best intentions – you really mean it. You’re going to lose weight – and keep it off – starting today.
Maybe it was an article you read or the latest episode of The Biggest Loser. Whatever started your quest, it inspired you in a big way.
But then: back to reality.
You don’t have time for a work out … again.
And rising early to hit the gym fizzles out after the first day. Is it normal to feel like throwing up on the stationary bike?
Whatever excuse you can think of to skip a workout, the real reason boils down to this: you haven’t found your comfort zone.
Its defeating to be around the hard-bodies at the trendy gym. Working out around men makes you uncomfortable. Or if you’re like me, the thought of downloading a Netflix yoga flick sounds fun, but you don’t have enough room in the basement for the moves.
Whatever the reason, dig it up. Think of every possible excuse and write it down. Is it the below zero weather? You just don’t like working out? Write it down. No excuse left behind. This should be fairly easy.
Now, debate yourself. What could you change to make working out more appealing? Here are some ideas.
- Purchase a treadmill or elliptical machine from Craigslist or ebay. Set it up in a convenient spot with access to some type of visual entertainment – a TV or window. Even a portable DVD player will work. You could also read.
- Rearrange furniture to free your cramped workout space.
- Buy a yoga mat.
- Find a women-only gym.
- Join an indoor volleyball team.
- Become a mall-walker. Take a friend.
- Download a different Netflix workout each week at home.
- Rent some aerobic DVDs from the library.
- Make up your own 30-minute workout. Running in place, jumping jacks, push-ups, squats, lunges, sit-ups – the variations are endless. Invite a friend to join you and make it a girls night in.
- Take dance lessons.
- Take your family to the gym for a game of basketball.
- Bundle up and walk around in the snow.
- Go swimming.
- Turn morning workouts into a treat. Give yourself more than enough time so you can get home and enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee before getting ready.
- Buy a workout outfit that makes you feel amazingly hot.
- Download some heart-pumping music from www.lala.com
I hope you find the answers you need.
See also: Snowball Fitness: Set Goals, Start Tiny
Photo by chishikilauren
{ 11 comments }
Nice list of ideas. I think lots of people have fitness as part of a new year’s resolution and cold weather makes it hard to stick to a routine that works at other times of the year. Good to have a few indoor and sociable options when that’s the case.
@ mummy zen Cold makes it very hard. I started to dread my early morning workout for that very reason. Somehow the cold doesn’t bother me at lunch as bad as at 5:30 a.m. so I’ve made adjustments. Thanks for the comment!
I made it simple, I am only going to try to lose a pound a week. That is 52 pounds this year, putting me within striking distance of my goal weight. I think that setting attainable goals is a necessity.
@ Matt – I support you fully! What would help you stay on track? Anything I can write about?
Workout with friend who desires to move in the same direction. Challenge either to your first half marathon or triathlon as an example. Make a story together…working out becomes a challenge with a bigger purpose.
@Lantz – love the idea of making a story together. Thanks for the comment!
“Buy a workout outfit that makes you feel amazingly hot”
any recomendations do you have a fav store you shop from? Great post!
@ Pam Thanks for the comment!
I just bought this Fila top from Kohls… It fits great! http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/athleticapparel/tops/PRD~460265/FILA+SPORT+Colorblock+Tank.jsp
Really liked this one!
What works for me?
Get up early and do it first thing – before I wake up enough to talk myself out of it.
@ Susan – YES. This works. I’m not a morning person, but sometimes morning workouts are the only answer for me as well.
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