If anyone saw my post in the Exercise Accountability thread I posted that until today, I had nothing to post there since 11/9. I forced my self to do 30 min of a Firm video since I knew I was not getting to the gym. I am so glad I did. Not just for the physical part of it, but it took 1/2 hour of working out to totally change my mood. Pre-workout I was sluggish, irritable, worrying about little stupid things, thinking all or nothing stuff-like "why bother working out, you haven't worked out for almost 2 wks, you have been eating junk 24/7 so what is a quick workout gonna do" kinda stuff. POST Workout-my mental state has done a complete 180! I am still struggling a bit and have to tell myself that the 30 min of working out IS worth it, even when my brain is saying-well you should have done the whole 56 min.
I have to say that I haven't seen much in changes in my body since joining the gym in September(and was going faithfully up until 11/9) but the mental benefits-WOW!! And I forgot just how good I feel after exercise, even after only a little over a week of being away from the gym-my head is clearer, I tend to worry less, I think more positively.
So, for those who struggle with exercise-perhaps you can look beyond what you want from exercise as far as weight loss/body changes and focus on the "attitude adjustment". I try to tell myself, when I don't want to go to the gym-that I will feel so much better when I'm done and I always, always do!
During the holidays, I think this will be key for me. Get to the gym to relieve stress and feel better in my head first, and hopefully the weight loss will follow.
Jill
Summer Challenge Goals: 1) Walk 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week 2) Plan weekly menus
It's those little endorphins that get released into your system by exercise, a good laugh, a relaxing bath, etc. My dh used to comment on how much happier I seemed when I swam, than when I couldn't for awhile. Amazingly, I started asking questions and found out that those little horomones really do help us feel better....
It's never too late to get it right.
Posts: 3473 | Location: Central USA | Registered: March 11, 2004
ditto to all. when i miss a day exercising, i feel out of balance. it is like a daily "cleaning out of my mental pipes." izzy
Goals: 1. Stop thinking like a chronic dieter and start living to inspire. 2. HALT (hungry, anxious, lonely, tired) I will stop and tune in with myself should I experience these things, and respond with something healthy. 3. One word 2008: courage 4. Eat slow and mindfully.
Jill, I am so pleased that you posted this. I noticed the same thing with myself this weekend. I was diligent last week with working out and really observing my eating habits. Then BOOM the weekend came, I just wanted my mind to coast instead of really watching myself. I didn't workout and made some poor eating choices.
This morning FIRST thing I marched my butt to the gym and I felt SO much better mentally and physically. It reminded me that I have to do some sort of activity even on those "off days". It keeps my mind fresh and alert.
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is." Albert Einstein
Daily to do: Drink plenty of water & take vitamins
Posts: 1622 | Location: Georgia | Registered: March 24, 2004
