motivation
Showing posts with label motivation. Show all posts
Looking Back to Look Forward
I'm all about looking forward and focusing on crushing new goals etc. But sometimes you have to look back, reflect and see how far you've come.
9 years ago I had an emergency laparotomy, I couldn't get myself out of bed, coughing was painful as fuck and sneezing was out of the question. My core was obliterated and weeks after walking to the end of the block was the most exercise I could handle. But now here I am 9 years later in the best shape of my life, and I think this incident had so much to do with that. I was starving for movement, I wanted to be able to exercise, and although I was quite weak I got better because exercise was like therapy for me. It certainly wasn't over night that I recovered physically, probably took a year and a half to get my strength back.
So anytime I feel like I'm not doing that great, if I think I'm struggling or thinking I'm shit my laparotomy scar kind of reminds me I can do anything. It also proves that no matter where you're at, with patience, and dedication things will get better. You will get stronger bit by bit, and sometimes you'll have to look back and take a minute to see how far you've come. No matter the injury, you can come back from it, and even though it won't feel like it at the time you can end up being stronger, faster etc. It takes a lot of time and patience, but it's possible.
Fitness Motivation
For those of us in the wild west (and north) it has turned quite nearly into winter over night, we have bypassed fall and gone straight into cold and snow. This has every I know feeling rather low on the motivation level. The weather should improve for us soon but unfortunately for us we have 6 months of winter to look forward to after that so we are going to need figure out a way to stay motivated for these grey months!
1. Plan Ahead:
2. Grab a Gym Friend:
6. Try a new workout class:
1. Plan Ahead:
Look at your week coming up, physically write down which days you're doing what. Write out the exercises on each day even, then you know exactly what you have to get done and even if you don't really feel like it you're more likely to go if it's scheduled. I like having a visual reminder too so a weekly calendar for the wall is always helpful!
2. Grab a Gym Friend:
Working out is always easier when you have someone to go with you, who will hold you accountable on those days you just don't feel like it. Make sure it's someone reliable, don't be the gym friend who suggests beers instead of a workout.
3. Hire a trainer:
I know it can be expensive but a lot of my clients tell me if they didn't have an appointment with me they would not have gone to workout. You can also go see a trainer for them to just build you a program, starting a new training phase or getting a new program can really mix things up and get you feeling motivated if you're not digging your routine anymore. Having a professional set something up for you is great because they can tailor it to your needs, your level and your goals. So not only is it more exciting you're more likely to see results if you stick with it!
4. Set some goals:
4. Set some goals:
Some real, concrete, time sensitive goals like "I want to gain 5 lbs of muscle by November" or "I want to cut my 5km running time down by 1-2minutes by the end of october" these things are great and if they're important to you and you're excited by your goals you're going to feel motivated to do it!
5. Dedicate it as your "Me Time"
If you're super busy with work, school etc, take it as a dedicated break away from all that. If you're super stressed you're much more likely to be excited for a workout because it's a mental break. And guess what? Your productivity will increase when you're done!
6. Try a new workout class:
Sometimes something new can be just the thing to light a fire under your butt and give you some motivation! Since it's colder here now we go back and get more into rock climbing, we haven't been much in the summer months because we were doing more outdoor stuff. But I'm so excited to get back into it now!
Tips for Staying Motivated
It's officially that time of year where your motivation goes out the window, it's grey out, it's cold, it's straight up miserable. As soon as this happens all you want to do is sleep in, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and binge watch your favorite show on Netflix. With this usually comes some questionable (albeit delicious) food choices, this can lead to a pretty viscous cycle that leaves you feeling crappy. It's important to try to avoid falling into the pitfall of feeling unmotivated during the colder months especially here where the colder months are 8 months!
1. Plan it out.
Write out your weekly schedule of when/where/how you are going to work out, it's written out and therefore more likely to happen.
2. Try something new.
For me, bouldering is a winter activity, I missed it all summer but we did more outdoor activities so I am so excited to get back into it!
3. The buddy system.
Someone waiting for you makes you way more likely to show up for it, besides it makes it a social outing and it's fun to catch up!
4. Get that Vitamin D.
Since it's gloomy/dark out we get a lot less vitamin D through sunlight and this can have a huge impact on our mood and motivation. Supplementing with Vit D is a great way to ensure these levels don't dip below ideal and can help keep you from feeling the winter blues too.
5. Eat lot's of fresh fruits and vegetables.
It's more expensive but they're so good for you, helps keep you regular and get a lot of the vitamins and minerals you need everyday.
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