Teaching myself to love working out!!
I dread working out. If I can find any excuse to get out of exercising, I will take it gladly. Alarm didn’t go off? Well, I don’t want to be late to class because it’ll look bad, so I’ll just forget about it today. Cloudy weather? Bad omen – better stay home. Can’t find my water bottle? Well, working out without water is a major no-no! I’ll just eat some chocolate chips from the refrigerator instead.
But the weird thing is, once I actually start a work-out, I really enjoy it! Especially when I am in a class with an instructor, I feel incredibly motivated to give all of my effort. Even if I am the slowest and the least in shape, I relish knowing that I am burning calories, and the camaraderie I feel with the other members of the class surpasses any embarrassment I might feel at being slower and less coordinated.
What’s even better is the way I feel after I work out – full of pride and joy, like the goddess Diana after a hunt, or Joan of Arc in the midst of battle. It’s incredible how much working out brightens my mood for the rest of the day.
And yet, I’m always spending the hour or so before I start looking for excuses not to go. My brain hasn’t figured out yet how awesome working out is – I’ve spent too much time reinforcing the idea that exercise is boring. But as long as I keep going consistently, my brain is going to catch up. Our brains have an amazing ability to change and adapt (check out Michael Merzenich’s TED talk on this topic), and every time I work out and enjoy it, I am rewiring my brain to tell me that exercise is awesome!
So today, despite any excuse I could think of, I went to my workout, and I have discovered the following:
–Just because it’s cloudy doesn’t mean it will rain. Today was cloudy, and I had the workout of my life!!
–Troy can go to my workout in his pajamas. No one will mind, because HE’S A BABY. Even if he was a toddler, I still don’t think anyone would have passed judgment.
–If I forget my water bottle once or twice, it’s okay – the park is full of fountains, and I can drink a big glass when I get home too.
I think Batman’s girlfriend Rachel Dawes put it best: “You are what you do.” Showing up matters – especially when you don’t feel like it.
Way to go Becca!
Thanks Tiffany!
Thanks for the inspiration!!!
No problem!!
This is like my favorite line ever: -Troy can go to my workout in his pajamas. No one will mind, because HE’S A BABY.
Hehehe… it’s so true! Parents worry about pretty silly things sometimes.
I love the way you think. I too find excuses for not going to the gym, but once I make it there, I feel sooooo much better!
Thanks Amber!
How true! This is so inspiring!
Hi! Stopping by from MBC. Great blog!
Have a nice day!
Thanks Veronica! Heading over to your blog…
I love this post. I struggle with chronic fatigue, so getting up and moving is really tough. But I know it is good for me. I can always use a little kick in the butt. That’s what this was for me. Thanks for sharing.
And a link to a Tedtalk? How could it get any better than that?
Stopping by from SITS. Have a great weekend.
No problem!! Thanks for the kind words!!
Ugh. I hate working out. Hate hate hate:( But I WANT to LOVE it. Especially running. Maybe if I can motivate myself to get up and put on my workout clothes for a week straight I will get closer and closer to walking out the door. I live in the wilderness (sort of) and a bear could reach out and eat me (maybe) when I jog past. It’s risky business stepping out your front door. Hmmm… There is a blog post in this…
Definitely!! I would LOVE to read that!
Love it! Thanks for sharing some encouragement!
Found you on SITS!
fortheirtenderhearts.com
Thanks Mama Sadie Bell!
i saw a link to your post on twitter and since i’m needing inspiration to work out, thought i would check it out. my children are almost all grown up now (still one at home), but i just wanted to you ARE an inspiration! love your attitude…cheering for you and the example you’re setting for your family!
Thank you so much Daricia!!