Ugh…Exercise. How to do it when you hate it.
Hi! Wendy here. If you’re like I am, you will find any excuse not to stick to a workout routine. But now that we’re six months into this pandemic, it’s getting clearer that we’re going to have to find ways to get our bodies moving. I have a couple of my own tricks that I want to share.
BERLIN, GERMANY – MARCH 25: Marlene of Yoga on the Move Berlin warms up prior online stream session in her home on March 25, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. Small businesses are trying ways of offering services for clients in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
FIRST AND FOREMOST, I have more than one workout option. Why? Because some days I’m mad. Others I’m tired. Others I’m happy. And I need a workout that matches my mood (uh, hello, Gemini). Depending on the day, I do dance videos, the punching bag, or yoga. Dancing is when I’m happy. The punching bag is for the days I need to let out some angst. And I can’t use the excuse of being too tired when there’s a yoga floor routine available.
380071 03: Actress Elizabeth Hurley Stars In 20Th Century Fox’s New Movie “Bedazzled.” (Photo By Getty Images)
Next, when I need some motivation, I pull up a picture of some random girl who looks great in a bikini. And I say to myself, I want to look like that. Will I? Probably not. Cause I’m sure she spends all day in the gym. But it’s important to have a goal. Now, I’m not a fool. I know I’m not going to look like her if I’m not willing to do the work she does. But it does help me get through that one workout.
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 12: A view of the Starbucks Frappuccino backstage at the Bespoken Presentation Fall 2011 with Starbucks Frappuccino during Mercedes-Benz fashion week at Chelsea Piers – Pier 59 Studio 10 on February 12, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Donald Bowers/Getty Images for Starbucks Frappuccino)
Finally, discipline. I’ve heard the word SO many times when it comes to exercising, but I didn’t really get it until I was a parent. When Z makes a good choice, she gets a star on the chart. Five stars equals a treat. As simple as this sounds, it works for adults too. These days, I don’t indulge in my favorite Starbucks for no reason. I make myself earn it. And I swear to the coffee gods that it tastes so much sweeter that way.
There you have it. Some of my tricks to get my lazy butt off the couch. Cause I don’t want to wake up one day with a body that doesn’t work so well anymore, wishing I’d done something about it when I had the chance.
I also love googling new ideas for motivation, and this article from Help Guide is a recent find. Enjoy. 🙂
