About 3 months ago, I had participated in a Goliathon obstacle course challenge. Really awesome and a ton of fun. Since then; however, my gym schedule has been totally out of whack! I used to go to the gym at least 3 days a week with no issues. When Goliathon came around, I took a few days off to make sure I was fresh for race day and took a few days off after to recover. After that, I ended up spending a lot of time prepping my garden and pulling out poison oak and ivy in my yard that I really didn't go to the gym steadily through June and mid-July. Come August, I was biking a few days, but not nearly at the activity level I was before.
I became really bummed with the fact that I was actively procrastinating gym time. It was rough motivating myself when I was working 10-12 hour days with 2 jobs. Just an excuse on my end. While I was staying moderately active in some ways, I really was getting "lazy."
I looked into getting a membership outside of my workplace (I am a part-time dietitian at a community center with a gym) in hopes that it would motivate me to go to the gym more. While that turned out to be a bust, I really thought to myself that I needed to get back on track. All those times that clients no showed or cancelled at work, I could have been clocking out and hitting the gym, versus going home and not being as active. I could have packed gym clothes and have been more prepared. Or I could have packed some extra snacks so I wouldn't be going home hungry instead of working out. Could have, should have, would have.
I thought about all the times I gave advice to clients about exercise. "Just pack your clothes the night before." "Remember to plan your workouts." "Make a commitment to yourself." I finally took my own advice and planned my gym day and clothes and made the promise to myself that I would be going.
Yesterday, I knew I was working both of my jobs so I went into my full-time job a half hour early so I could stop home before my part-time job. I grabbed a quick shake and changed into different pants + my uniform shirt and sneakers. I packed my change of shirt and an extra snack in case my shake didn't hold me over. I worked my second job and without giving it a second thought I changed and got ready to workout. Although a little part of me said "It's 7:15pm, go home," I knew I would be upset with myself had I not gone.
Honestly, I feel so much better (sore after working out but emotionally better :)) after yesterday. I even have my next workout day planned and ready to go. Despite all the advice I give others, I need to remember to give myself that same advice. If you are ever in a gym rut try my strategy: plan your gym day (write it on your calendar), pack your clothes, ready your snacks, make the commitment to yourself, and remember to think about how great you might feel after going (versus not going at all).
Happy exercising :)
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