What? Don’t look at me like that for acting on a total cliche and misquoting Shakespeare. You’ve done it too.
Anyways, so part of the problem I hit with working out is that, unlike the ideal world where I’m paid to work out, I have other obligations. Work. Law school applications. Moving. Socializing. Writing the other blog, writing in general. My little Etsy shop, which is slightly neglected right now. My learning photography. Yes, I’m one of those neurotic constantly moving people that don’t understand concepts like “relaxation” and “zen”.
Usually, this is where all my grandiose plans die. I take on an idea, get too busy doing other things, and don’t bother to make the time- and let other obligations win.
So far, that has not happened with my 5K commitment. I’ve stayed on track, running last night and Tuesday night, despite a family dinner with my mother where I had to not drink so that I could run (dealing with my mother sober? Now that’s commitment). I’m finding that what is really helping is this blog. Getting feedback, hearing from people, knowing I’m not alone- it’s all added pressure and it’s awesome for motivation. I know I can’t crumble just yet, because I feel… accountable. People know what I’ve promised.
So, thank you to everyone whose keeping me accountable, doing this with me, blogging, and keeping my lazy behind from slacking off and instead drinking wine on the couch while watching HGTV and playing “Let’s Pretend I Can Afford a House”. How are you all managing that balance between getting in shape and sticking to your program vs. the allure of going out, slacking off, or not making the time in equally busy schedules. Does anyone else feel like taking the time to work out impacts their schedule, or am I just a whiny little punk?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I too have to struggle to carve out time to work out. Between my full-time job, which is an hour away from home, and my freelance job, I’m quite busy with work. Then add in trying to visit my parents, spending time with my boyfriend, taking care of a dog, blogging, keeping up on my TV shows and reading, maintaining a house and just relaxing… and working out time is precious! I’m trying to make it easier on myself by doing it with a friend, so I get to mix socializing and working out. I also include nights out dancing with my girls as workouts. That certainly helps!
You’re not alone, but consider workouts your “me time.” You can be alone with your thoughts, or your iPod, and just focus on you. If you go to a gym, bring that book you’re reading so you can kill two birds with one stone. I love that feeling!
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Liz in Spandex Reply:
April 8th, 2010 at 10:28 am
@Jen, I agree with making it about me time. It’s been the only thing that helps so far. I also have been using it to plan out posts, work projects, etc.
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Hope Reply:
April 8th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
@Liz in Spandex, I read an interesting article the other day about how working out can provide a great creative boost. The suggestion was to have a notebook accessible to jot down ideas when you finish up. I haven’t actually *taken* that suggestion, but I probably should. :p
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Liz in Spandex Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 9:16 am
@Hope, I think I’m going to have to start doing that. I do find myself thinking that I need my trusty Moleskine to help me keep track of the ideas and reminders that pop up once the adrenaline hits.
I know this battle all too well. Training & working out can definitely get in the way of my social life, but….(and I hate to be so blunt) if you really want to see a difference in your body, you just have to make the commitment a priority above all else.
For me, during the day I’m busy building up my business, which often means networking before and after hours, going to events, hosting workshops, etc. So I plan my workout week around my professional week. If I know I have an event to attend after work, I get up and run at 6 AM. If I have an early meeting in the morning, I plan to hit the gym after the office.
Working out and getting (or staying) fit & in shape is a lifestyle. It’s not just something you do to look nice in a bikini every summer. I’ve just had to learn to deal with telling my friends, “No, I can’t make happy hour tonight. I have to run/yoga/spin.”
Sometimes it’s not fun, but when you DO look nice in a bikini? It’s all worth it.
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Liz in Spandex Reply:
April 8th, 2010 at 10:33 am
@ChasRunner, I think the hardest part for me is I know how to look good in a bikini without running or working out, my method of doing such are just highly unhealthy and a part of my life that (as tempting as it is), I don’t necessarily wish to go back to. So it’s a bit of a temptation that I go “I could be skinny and not have to work out and lose all my time.”
I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one on here, however, that finds it can be a bit of an impact, especially when you’re busy. I’ve been doing workouts during the workday and have found those incredibly helpful at recharging my mind and keeping me from feeling too fenced in.
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ChasRunner Reply:
April 8th, 2010 at 10:37 am
@Liz in Spandex, Ahhh. Yes, I see the dilemma then. For me? Bikini body doesnt happen without working out, so I guess I’m not really aware of that side of things. I like to eat too much
Mid-day workouts are great too, if you can schedule those in! Maybe just start out with a few workouts a week, balanced with a pretty healthy diet. You don’t have to go all in at once. That way you can have social time, and also have gym time.
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Liz in Spandex Reply:
April 8th, 2010 at 10:42 am
@ChasRunner, it’s an interesting battle, to say the least. Half of my determination to do this blog is to prove that I *can* get in shape without returning to former habits.
The mid-day workouts are perfect for me, especially if it’s just a long “powerwalk”. I make it to a smoothie place and make sure my heartbeat is going fast, but I don’t feel wiped when I return to the office. Plus, I count it as a lunch break cause hello, smoothie (and eat my protein packed lunch at my desk later). Then my evenings are saved and I don’t feel too rushed.
I second the idea of exercising with friends. First, they make you accountable, and second, exercising is much more fun if it is a social event! Some of my closest friend started off as random running buddies.
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Liz in Spandex Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 10:29 am
@k, Agreed- I just need to find people, sadly. I live in Alexandria, where most of my friends live in the city or out in Reston, so it’s hard to find a buddy. I was hoping my bf would start running with me, but he’s instead been cooking while I’m running, so I’m hesitant to change that…
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I know exactly how you’re feeling. Luckily (or unfortunately for my bank account), my work schedule is pretty flexible, so I don’t have trouble finding the time. But I’m having a really hard time actually having any social life. My friends invite me out at 10:30 at night and I’m already laying in bed and reading because I have an early tempo run the next day before work planned. When running becomes a part of who you are, like it has for me, it’s hard to say no to a run and easier to say no to another drink or something else you don’t need. The sense of accomplishment after a race is totally worth all the hard work.
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Liz in Spandex Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 10:42 am
@KaliGirl, I’m going to have to keep that in mind. Once I hit my first race, I’m hoping the payoff will be so awesome that I want to keep going.
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I think that is hysterical, considering the name of my blog is “To Be or Not To Be (Accepted)”
I feel the same way: Every time I feel like getting a late night snack, or skimping out on well-needed exercise, I think of the crew here on IITGI, and I know that I have put myself out there, committment-wise: I will change my bad habits, and enforce good ones, so that I can have a quality life. But that is the genius behind this community–you do this for yourself, but you also know you’ve got others counting on you too. It gives you added motivation as you say.
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Liz in Spandex Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 10:43 am
@Tiffani, misquoting Shakespeare is awesome.
I love the motivation I get from the community, so I’m glad I’m not the only one. When you know you have so many eyes watching you, you feel ten times worse slacking off!
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I know I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t have a partner, that’s for sure. Having someone to hold me accountable is SUCH a help… and knowing that that’s on the schedule first thing when we get out of work is the ONLY way it’ll get done.
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Liz in Spandex Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 10:47 am
@LiLu, Lady, I admire your committment! I’ve been changing at work so I go home in running gear. It’s harder to slack when you’re already dressed and ready to go. Next step, running the moment I park my car. I’m still lazy enough to be lured into my apartment for 5 minutes of snuggling with my cat.
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I have been working out religiously (NEVER miss two days in a row unless I am sick, which has only happened 2-3 times) for around 3 years now…and my social life has definitely felt the side effects of it.
Today my friend sent me an e-mail in response to me complaining about how working out interfers with things – I won’t go out after work if I didn’t work out that morning, I skip out on things if I haven’t gotten my workout in for the day…etc…Here is what her email said:
Sometimes I try to remember the You that I knew before you became MS. WORKOUT – but I can’t remember that you – and it scares me! What did you do before you worked out!?
Sometimes I wonder if this means I am taking the whole thing overboard….but I don’t know how to fix it, it is like an addiction…..
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Liz in Spandex Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 11:08 am
@Dana, I certainly have been known to take things overboard before, and I don’t want to. As long as you’re giving your body a rest, doing what feels best- and right- to you is what’s most important. Finding that balance that you’re comfortable with is the priority in any plan!
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I have the same dilemma. I meet with friends for dinner once a week, sometimes we do a hilly 3 mile walk before we eat. Of course, just when I’ve committed to getting into shape, she is super busy at work and deciding to be lazy so we don’t end up walking and I unintentionally end up taking a day off. Try as I might, my insomnia + night owlism + comfy bed = never being able to get up and work out in the morning which would probably solve my problem. But knowing other people have the same problems and working them out together is great. Thanks for posting
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Liz in Spandex Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 11:09 am
@Cheddar, I cannot wake up early to save my life. Seriously. I could go to bed at eight and still not be ready to get out of bed till 7.
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Cheddar Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
@Liz in Spandex, Same here. Even if I wake up, I can’t convince myself to get up and do anything. But sometimes working out after work is just as big of a struggle. Our lives are so hard
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