Booty Camp: Week Three

Photo by Mike Baird

Remind me never to answer the question, "Who hasn't worked out since the last booty camp class?" with "yes" again!  The punishment for my honesty?  Thirty burpees before class had even begun!  I laughed and cried at the same time.  But my lack of commitment to workout between the two classes begs the question, "why didn't I?"  I was not the only one- 75% of the class was doing burpees with me even though we are all recommended to get in that additional workout.  I had every intention of doing so; it was on my weekly to-do list and I mentally told myself "run this weekend" more than once.  Still, I didn't manage to stick to it.  Why is it so difficult to commit to a habit that is good for you?  My reasons are (and it is not easy to admit this!):

1. I convince myself there is something more important I have to do.
2. If I've already gotten dressed and ready, I don't want to get sweaty and have to go through the whole getting ready process again.
3. I don't feel like it.

In search of answers on how to better motivate myself to work out (which like many, I always enjoy during and after the fact) I came across a post by Gretchen Rubin, on tips for staying motivated to exercise.  While many items on her list were obvious to me, there were a few that stood out:

• Exercise provides an outlet for feelings of pent-up hostility, irritation, and anger.  Had a rough day at work?  Exercise really is the best way to leave it behind.
• Sticking to an exercise regime raises your self-esteem for the very fact that you’re sticking to an exercise regime.  Not only does your body suffer without exercise, so does your mind.  I know I feel guilty when I haven't stayed committed to a fitness routine.  Thinking of exercise as beneficial for physical as well as emotional well being gives you more than one reason to do it.
• When I don’t feel like exercising, I remind myself how lucky I am to be able to move easily and without pain—no wheelchair, no crutches, no brace, no trick knee or bad back.  This one really hit home with me - many of us take our health for granted.  When you are considering not working out, remind yourself that you have a body that works for you - now work for it!!You can read the rest of the list here.

Note:  Gretchen is writing a book called the Happiness Project.  In her blog, she writes about the insights she uncovers as she goes about testing every principle, tip, theory and scientific study she can find related to happiness.  It is interesting and worth checking out!

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