Enough is enough. I’ve wasted immeasurable hours in bed tossing and turning, talking myself out of going. What lame excuse can I make up this time, besides “I’m too tired.”
Truth be told, I’d rather scrub the toilet bowl until my knuckles bleed. Procrastination is my nemesis.
I feel pudgy and I’m sick of feeling bad about feeling bad. My endorphins are on life support. One thing I know for sure, doing nothing reaps nothing except pangs of guilt.
Even, with that being said, the mere thought of hightailing it over to the gym is paralyzing. It’s a mammoth effort. My arms and legs move with the quickness of a sloth.
Getting started is the hardest thing. Working out is…..a lot of damn WORK!
“My gym life is consumed with reboots; a trilogy of starts, stops and restarts.”
We’ve heard the phrase, “If you build it, they will come.” Well, I don’t know about that. It all depends. Some folks wind up in gym purgatory because they lose interest or the location isn’t convenient. But, that’s not my problem.
I am embarrassed to tell you this. Don’t judge. LOL! I live five minutes away from LA Fitness. I rarely go. It’s not them. It’s me.
The facility is spacious and clean with tons of equipment and classes; including Zumba, cycling and kickboxing. I make cameo appearances like I’m a corporate big shot coming in to meet the branch employees.
My problem? Staying consistent and motivated.
“Too often, I allow life’s stressors and my hectic job as a RN to derail my regimen. On a good week, I will show up three times.”
I press my nose against the Zumba class window. Even though the roomful of women are partying to Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk;” it’s too much dancing and jumping around for yours truly. However, I am impressed with their tight choreography. All that’s missing is a disco ball.
But, I know me. I don’t have the patience for all those directions from the screaming, high-octane instructor who looks all of twelve-years-old.
You see, I’m a one trick pony; the treadmill is more my speed. I’m on it, for an hour, while I watch Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie on the Today Show. So, while I’m burning fat, I catch up with the news, learn how to organize my closet and get some chuckles from Tracy Morgan. It helps take my mind off this drudgery.
But, it’s time to get serious and take responsibility for my physical health. No more running from the truth. I need to lose twenty pounds. I am not happy with the image in the mirror.
“Do you ever throw your hands up in horror when you take a glance at yourself and ask, “Who in the hell is this person that inhabited my body?’ or “When did I stop paying attention?”
Well, it happens, seamlessly, while we’re throwing back “Moscow Mules” and curling up on the couch after a hearty plate of lasagna.
It would be easy to blame the pounds on pigging out during Thanksgiving and Christmas and hibernating during the brutal Northeast winters. But, I would be lying; I was recklessly eating long before then. Make no mistake, I had a good time indulging. But, I am paying for it now.
Spring is finally here and it’s time to shed all the bulky sweaters and coats and face the naked truth. The bottom line is I feel better after I exercise. Although, I’m not a gym rat, the physical activity that I love the most and is most effective, is walking. It’s free and liberating. Walking is my Plan A. Going to the gym is my Plan B.
We all have our struggles and set backs. Here are some hacks that may help…
- Get back to basics. It’s a mindset. Stop making everything so hard. I tell myself this constantly. We live in a gym culture mentality. But, if that’s not your cup of tea, find something that is. What is your plan? Figure out what you like to do that will raise your heart rate. Maybe it’s hiking, swimming, dancing, biking, golfing, running, or tennis. Or, maybe a romp in the sack? If that’s too ambitious; start small. Take the steps at work instead of the elevator or park far away from the entrance door. If you see results; stay in your lane of success. I enjoy nature, it ignites my senses; whether it’s a brisk walk on the beach, in a park or around a different neighborhood taking in new sights. If you love snapping pictures, walking is a good way to document pleasantries along the way. Make it an adventure. Make it fun.
- Identify your motivation. What’s your carrot? Is it to fight off exhaustion and anxiety? Is it to help control diabetes and hypertension? Is it to stay up past seven pm? Is there a wedding, reunion or vacation coming up that you want to get in shape for? Do you want to lose a few pounds so you don’t have to wear two pairs of Spanx with your sexy cocktail dress? Are you done with hiding behind that over-sized beach cover up? Maybe it’s human nature. A lot of times, we don’t move on things unless we’re under the gun. Stay focused.
- Don’t set yourself up to fail. Ditch looking at the scale every day. Hide it under the bed or cover it with a bath towel. It has evil tendencies and can be fickle. If you don’t see the numbers drop like you anticipate; you may get discouraged and chuck the whole thing. Instead, check your weight weekly; track your progress with a few “selfies.” Oh, and by the way, curb all those dinner dates in the beginning stages of your workouts and weight loss regimen. They may lead to temptation to eat the wrong things. Think of it this way; a crack head trying to detox needs to stay clear of a crack house. Perhaps meeting for coffee or finding a restaurant that specializes in vegan or low fat meals is a smarter option.
- Take a realistic look at yourself. Really, look at yourself. Butt naked. Take the blinders off. Fellow baby boomers, stop comparing yourselves to your younger version. It is what it is. Set realistic goals that are manageable and won’t put you in the emergency room for being too extreme. Maybe, that’s why it is called ”middle age.” Because the fat cells love to hang out in the middle part of our bodies. But, don’t fret. Yes, our metabolisms slow down with age–but, that’s not a green light to become a wet noodle. Be excited about curating the new YOU. Toss that stale self image; and look forward to feeling alive again.
- Be consistent. Establish a workable schedule. If you are a morning person don’t exercise at night and vice versa. Some folks like to exercise alone. I am one of them. But, maybe you do better with the support of a friend. Whatever works for you. Just do it. Make yourself a priority. Get off the back row of your life and move center stage. Your heart will thank you.
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hey my sister,
i love the gym!!! I USUALLY GO play music and mediate on the day . I tried boot camp last year. was told they had age ranges and grand prize for each age group . the person that lost most and most in proved win $10,000. OF COURSE I WAS MOTIVATED(SMILE) i WENT MY FIRST CLASS AND NOT one 50 YRS AND OVER WAS THERE. ;( BUT MY Coach was amazing and very supportive. No I did not get the $10,000 but I did get a new figure. So never give up at the gym. i made new gym friend (35 and under) but they cheer this 59 1/2 year on. great experience!!! love your sister. sister(miss mom)