After a rather indulgent Christmas, I found myself on the Derbyshire Hills on Boxing Day for a bracing walk with the family. After about twenty minutes I complained to my Mum that my legs were starting to ache. Now my Mum is ridiculously fit and would think nothing of power walking an hour to work at 7am, working a full day and then fitting in a swim. She looked at me in horror as the little amble had turned into a momentous trek for me.
So this brings me on to my confession. For the last year or so I have convinced myself that I am far too busy for exercise. I have also convinced myself that it is too dark, too cold, too wet, that I am too hungry or too full. I have decided the excuses can go on no longer. Quite simply I am in need of exercise.
I quite like making monthly resolution lists and so my January focus was to eat more healthily. Then I started working at the Rock My HQ and that went straight out the window thanks to a rather delicious selection of cookies and various chocolate delights. February started well apart from a very gluttonous weekend and so now I have high hopes for an active and healthy March.
A few years ago I signed up to do the Race for Life. I spent three months in ‘training’. Yes, I realise most people could do this 5k with their eyes closed and with a hangover but for me it was a serious mission. I was very pleased with the results; a very respectable amount of money for charity and I felt fabulous! My body definitely changed; my stomach was more toned and legs more defined and the best bit was that I finally felt like I had some energy. At that time, a colleague of mine even recommended me to read the Top 10 Best Football Cleats Ranked & Compared – Latest Boots, as I was quite fit and showing a little interest towards sports. But however, just after following that routine for a while, I slipped back into my old habits and hung up my running shoes.
I am hoping by declaring that fitness and I are no longer friends on these pages that I will shame myself into digging out my trainers and go for a run. I want to get the endorphins pumping again, to get my heartbeat up, and to stop feeling so sluggish.
How do you lovely lot keep yourself motivated? What’s your fitness regime and can you recommend anything for the gym shy? Please also feel free to share your most ridiculous excuse for not exercising. I promise I won’t judge.
I’ll leave you there while I go and warm up for a gentle jog. Oh wait, it’s raining. Maybe I’ll stay inside…..
Don’t go it alone!
I made a promise to myself that I would swim every Thursday or Sunday two years ago. I always go with a friend and aside from the odd cold or late night at work we have done it! Knowing that she needs me to drive us both there has been the motivation I’ve needed to grab the cossie and goggles and dive on in each time.
(please imagine pom poms) You can do it!
Thanks Charlie! Such a good point about not going it alone. I tried to ask my husband to come running with me but apparently I run so slowly that I give him shin splints!
100% agree with this! I have avoided exercise quite successfully for the first 27 years of my life but last year decided to take on the challenge of a ‘fun’ triathlon for a charity close to my heart (I know, the fun bit is ironic to an exercise-phobe, isn’t it)!? Having a goal and doing something for a good cause has undoubtedly kept me going, but if I wasn’t doing it with a friend with a commitment to exercise once a week together, I think that I would really be struggling to keep it going now…and potentially approaching a crazy challenge without any prep! In fact, if I am honest our training sessions tailed off over Christmas and it has been a real struggle to motivate myself. This has encouraged me to get more ‘friend run’ dates in! xx
Glad you’re feeling motivated Emma and good luck with the triathlon x
Lauren…I am the WORST for this! My current excuse goes a bit like this…’so what exercise are you doing these days’…’Oh, I’m not at the moment, I *just* had a baby’…’Ah how lovely, how old is he?’…”*coughs under breath* 8 and a half months’…….EPIC FAIL on my part.
In all honesty, said baby has not slept for more than 4 hours at a time until last week (hurrah!/more excuses) and so I have actually been exhausted…however, exercise is meant to dispel exhaustion isn’t it so I should’ve got my butt into gear many months ago and maybe I wouldn’t feel like such a massive flabby fatty (she says as she scoffs a tube of Pringles as she types! Jeeez!)
BUT, I feel we can do this together! Come on Rock My Style community…let’s do this. With your support and encouragement I can put the Pringles down and pick the dumbbells up!
Why not use the pringles as dumbbells to start with Becky? You don’t want to exert yourself so early on my lovely! x
I *try* to go three times a week. In reality it’s usually twice a week. I love dancing on nights out, so I looked for classes centred around that. I do Les Mills classes at my local council gym (much less luxurious than some of the Edinburgh gyms, but much better value!). I do combat (not very dancey, but I find the repetitive moves easy to follow), sh’bam (kinda like zumba but more funky), and body jam (high intensity dance work out). It helps that I found an instructor that I really like, she’s both hilarious and motivating in equal measures, so I started going along to her specific classes. I also try to go with my sister in law, as I feel I’m letting her down if I don’t go. But that is a challenge when work gets in the way. I also downloaded the NHS couch to 5k app which was great, as like you Lauren I couldn’t run even a mile. I astounded myself to build up to the 5k, though I haven’t been in a month or so (oops!). I used to do fitness DVDs (Davina was my fav) but since I joined the gym I find that I prefer an actual class as it means I can’t skip out early, and I also get guilty about how much it costs me if I’m not going!
Sh’bam sounds like loads of fun. I love a bit of dancing but have absolutely no co-ordination (but there I am making excuses again!)
Thanks for the tip on the app – will definitely download x
Ive found that the motivation to exercise is only really instilled when you start to see actual results and begin to feel, well….better. Up until that point its just a downright slog! I do enjoy a good swim and I do notice the difference when I dont go (having said that I do complain about my swimmers arms!)
Exercise is just a habit like everything else. You can train yourself to need it. (so my husband likes to tell me!) It also has to become part of the norm, the everyday and not an added extra. xx
Good point Hannah, think I need to slot it into my usual routine x
Hi Lauren!
I’m the worst for this – I’ll really go for it and run 3 times a week for 3 weeks and then not do anything for 2 months. I stopped my gym membership because that pattern happens again and again and I can’t bear to spend so much money on something I’m not using. So, I run because it’s free and I have a really nice park near me. I like to track what I do (the achievement seems more real that way) (plus it’s easier to boast and be smug…!) and use an app called Endomondo which uses GPS to track your route. If you’re wearing headphones it also tells you how long you took on the last KM compared to the one before! A uni friend of mine has done AMAZINGLY using an app called Run Zombie, Run which I think sets you tasks and has sound effects to make it seem like you’re running in a zombie apocalypse… that should get you moving!!! xxxx
Run Zombie sounds terrifying Elyse! I’m pretty sure I’d have a heart attack! x
I manage it by
A – being in a routine Mon – Fri, I pack my bag the night before, set my alarm and then just get up. I get the bus when it’s quiet and get my workout done before work. I don’t have to get up that much earlier than if I don’t go to the gym as the traffic is so much heavier that bit later and I only spend the time faffing around at home. I prefer to get it done in the morning as it sets me up for the day and I find time much more valuable in the evenings – I want to get home and see my husband / go out with friends etc not be in the gym fighting for a space with everyone else that goes at 6pm. I attend classes at the gym so my time is spent well and I get a good mix of exercises to keep me interested – circuits, body pump, Pilates, body attack etc.
B – on the weekend I do exercise I love. I have found a dance class called ‘Werk’ that is a ghetto street dance class and it’s amazing fun. I LOVE going and really look forward to it. It’s hard work and you sweat a lot but it’s so much fun the hour flies by. I have stopped trying to do things I don’t enjoy – running for example is just not for me. I spend the whole time thinking how much I hate it, I don’t have time to waste with that so have stopped.
This is me!
I always say how much I want to get back into sport and yet I never do!
I even have a confession of my own……I didn’t get fit for my wedding!!!!! :-/
I meant to I really did, but I ALWAYS had an excuse!
(making fabric flowers, writing blog posts, watching the latest Sherlock!!)
This year hadn’t started much better than previous years, but fingers crossed me & my friend Kate are going to help motivate each other. We both like swimming & went for our first session in over 7 months last Friday night – actual Friday night!! haha
The plan is to go at least once a week, but hopefully try for twice
We are also getting back into Badminton doubles with our other halves, so far 2 1hour sessions have been completed so fingers crossed we can keep that up & I’ll be getting somewhere!!
I’ve just remembered that I like a bit of Badminton!
Good on you Rebecca for getting fit on a Friday! x
I haven’t been since the New Year, because I have literally been ill for all of 2014 until this week! I know that sounds over the top, but it was literally virus after virus and maybe illness shouldn’t put you off, but I had trouble breathing whilst being stationery let alone after actually getting out of breath! Anyway, my husband is currently being really good with exercise which is pretty out of character for him, and is playing football and baseball every week. So all his activity has had me itching to get involved in some kind of sport – I find the gym very lonely and would rather be involved in some kind of team or something with a bit of competition! Any ideas?
Maybe see if there is a local netball club? I nearly joined one a while ago but it was on the same days as a drama group I was involved in.
Am hoping to see if I can find one in St A
Am also hoping to follow in the blog queen’s steps and join an adult ballet group, but that might be a little later in the year!
Hope you’re feeling better Kitty.
A few of my friends do circuit training together and there’s definitely some healthy rivalry! It might be a bit too intense a way to ease you back into exercise but maybe an activity for later on in the year.
My latest ventures into the world of exercise:
Joined a local gym a year ago and went to Body Pump class. Inappropriate instructor straddling followed three weeks later followed by an offer to personal train me in exchange for payment (ahem) in kind. Cue several months of over-exaggerated emails and tweets to escape from gym contract of hell.
Several weeks ago I agreed to join a mate at one of these army bootcamp things? Oh my God I was an embarrassment. Three times during the hour long torment, I had to be plucked from the ranks to have a ‘little rest’ – I am so pathetic that even hardened army men take pity on me!
I am full of good intentions, but when one is so unfit that you can’t run round the local park’s duck feeding lake… Where do you begin??
I’m currently toying with adventures in yoga. If nothing else it’s an excuse to buy a new outfit… That’s the main thing yes?
Gyms terrify me, and this is another reason not to visit one.
Charlotte – I like your idea of front room fitness where I can close the curtains instead of fearing being seen in my luminous trainers and slightly dodgy ‘leisure wear’ x
Oh my gosh, payment in kind?!
I am a firm believer in the Tracy Anderson work out DVD, you can do it in the comfort of your own home, rest when you like without feeling like a failure and her abs/bum/incredibly white shiny teeth are sure to get you motivated.
My backside is more toned at almost 8 months pregnant that it ever has been. Go figure.
I actually stalk her on Instagram.
This is also me. My attempts at exercise fizzled out when I had to ‘revise for exams’ which after several failures meant a year of doing nothing at all. At which point my body started to fall apart. (Torn meniscus, back pain all due to inactivity, but now another excuse not to do much).
We too have a lovely parking for running around nearby is a bonus. However, even with my fiancé *ahem* walking by me, and not so much running round the park, but the roads near it so I wouldn’t be ‘seen’, I still almost died (of embarrassment and pain).
So last week I went to yoga, which was good and can be really hard work if you get the right class. And on Thursday I’m going to try out a personal trainer. Golly.
Ooooh a personal trainer – very fancy!
Hope the pain eases soon x
I am completely addicted to My Ride! Indoor cycling but with something to look at! I have the motivation of getting married in August plus I drag my fiancé along. It’s so tempting to relax on the sofa but I always feel so much better afterwards!
This sounds good, can you watch TV whilst ‘cycling’?
It can be helpful to label your excuses for what they are – thoughts. So for example, instead of thinking “I’m too tired to go to the gym”, label it as “I am having the thought that I am too tied to go to the gym” or instead of “It’s too cold outside to go for a run” it would be “I’m having the thought that it’s too cold outside to go for a run”. It seems like a minimal difference, but the second option reminds you that your excuse is a *thought* and not a fact, which can make all the difference! I’m another vote for Yoga, so good for the mind as well as the body and never feels like as much of a chore as other exercise!
I moved to London just before Christmas, so quit my gym membership at the place close to where I previously worked with every intention of joining one down here once I’d sorted everything out. Two months later and I’m still not at a gym, having now convinced myself it’s not worth the bother. There are three main reasons a) I cannot justify paying the frighteningly expensive monthly gym fees on top of London rent and living costs, whilst trying to save for a wedding b) I’m not convinced I have the time – now I have a commute to the centre of London, I have less time in the evenings and don’t think I’d get my money’s worth c) I got rid of my car when I moved and now commute everywhere by public transport or on foot – I’d have to lug my gym kit around with me and I really don’t want to be seen whilst looking like a sweaty betty having left the gym and be faced with a walk / tube ride/ bus ride home (yeah, I know this is quite vain and there are showers at the gym, but even that doesn’t rid me of my red face, plus wet hair is not a good look on me – sooo much easier if you can just hop in the car home!)
I have however, had a look at joining a weekly class of some sort. Frontrunner at the moment is an adult ballet class – the Central School of Ballet do 1.5 hour drop-in adult lessons (different levels – absolute beginner through to advanced) for £8 a session – as a former child ballerina, I thought this might be a fun way of improving my muscle tone, flexibility and co-ordination (the last two are definitely needed!) Does anyone have experience of anything similar?
Firstly, LOVE LOVE LOVE this blog! I’ve been scouring RMW for the non wedding pages (as I’ve been an old married for 3 years now, and do not have the time to drool over wedding loveliness anymore!).
And as for exercise….. I despair.
I currently have an “excuse”. 8 months into my second pregnancy in two and a half years, and I’m on an exercise ban from my doctor, as this baby is quite keen to get out into the world.
But honestly, I doubt I’d be doing any exercise anyway! I certainly wasn’t doing any before I got pregnant again.
I did so well a few years ago where I’d go to the morning class at my local gym before work, 5 days a week. I did it for like 6 months, and then lost the exercise vibe.
It’s not like I CAN’T do it! I gained something horrendous like 5 stone during my first pregnancy (McDonalds anyone) and lost it all in 6 months…. by walking…. and I’m being serious. Funny what walking a baby in a pram round and round and round the park can do for you.
Thankfully less weight gain this pregnancy, probably something to do with the 11kg toddler I cart around all day, and that said toddler doesn’t sit still for more than 5 seconds at a time.
I feel like I actually need a mental re-jig, rather than a physical one. I actually enjoy dance classes/pilates/yoga etc. I like it, once I get off my backside and get there. So I’m enlisting the friends to come along and keep me company, and my gym obsessed husband is going to be in charge of food and motivation (gulp),
Seriously people, I am sick of my husband’s jeans being considerably smaller than mine (he has a much nicer bum too, which should not be allowed!).
So, buy cute gym outfits… check…. enlist gym buddies… check…. any advice on how to stop eating chocolate? x
I am not a fan of exercise unless you count a good boogie on a night out with the girls. However last year I bought a bike and found I absolutely loved cycling. I felt like a big kid again having so much fun. The bad weather put an end to it though 🙁 since Christmas I have felt a little chunky to say the least (I have some sort of sausage leg situation going on) so I downloaded the app c25k to help get me running and I must say I am really pleased. I find it quite motivational and havin that little person in your ear saying run now, walk now really does keep you on track.
Love this post! Its so easy to get demotivated, especially in winter months. Remember small, achievable goals and a fitness buddy are invaluable.
[…] the Rock My Style team I have started doing things I had put off for months. Thanks to all the exercise motivation back in February I’m hanging out with Tracey Anderson a few times a week. When I wrote a post on […]