Do you ever have those days when you go back and forth with whether to do your workout? You planned on it and you even have all your stuff ready, but you can't seem to decide to get up and do it. Dithering is something we all do from time to time, and it's easy to do with exercise. There's always an excuse (I'm too tired, I have too much to do) as well as a justification (I'll do it later or I'll do extra tomorrow). Coupled together, they make it that much harder to follow through with your workouts.
The next time this happens to you, think about these questions before you skip your workout. Working through the problem may help you make the right decision.
I also want to hear from you. How do you avoid slacking off? Express your thoughts in our user answer form or leave a comment below.
I liked these questions…I’ve been in a funk for a couple of months (yeah, I know!) and have used every excuse! then I wondered why I was feeling so bad…getting back on track now. It feels good!
That’s exactly what I’m doing now–looking for an excuse—-thanks for the push! It’s all true. I’m headin’ to the gym…Thank-you.
Lisa
I DESPISE working out indoors, except for stretching. Working out indoors is boring to me and demotivates me. I’d rather be outside absorbing nature. It’s peaceful and meditative for me. I walk my dog 2 miles 5 days per week unless the temperature reaches the 30s (I live in the South, so we don’t have many of those days) or if it’s raining. Anyway, my Greyhound is my daily motivation because if I don’t walk her at least 3 times per week, she starts meddling and gets into trouble. In the Spring & Summer months, I ride my bicycle out in the country. Additionally, I have a history of depression. Exercise is known to cut the symptoms in half or work as well as an antidepressant, so if I want to stay well I know I must exercise most days of the week. It all boils down to commitment and priority.
I constantly remind myself of the benefits of exercise. For me it’s as much keeping mentally fit as it is physically fit. When I exercise on a regular basis (for me, a minimum of 4 times per week) I feel I have more energy, I am more alert, I deal with stress signficantly better and I sleep more soundly. Oh, and there are physicial benefits too??
I also notice when I exercise I am much more diligent about eating healthy – it seems like it’s a package deal for me. If I act like a couch potato I eat like a couch potato.