Let's face it, it's just not easy for some (most?) of us to get to the gym. There's a hundred-zillion reasons to put it off. But there's also a few really good reasons to fit in some exercise-- You know, all that healthy, not-have-a-heart-attack-or-stroke type stuff.
Motivation is key to a regular exercise routine. So... instead of going to workout right now, it clearly is much more beneficial to list 10 motivating factors that (should) get me to the gym:
1. Two words: bathing suit. -- Lately, I find myself longing for the good old days when the bathing suit was some kind of Victorian knee-length, elbow-length dress concoction. Clearly this is a warning sign that I've been seriously slacking. Trying on my bathing suit each morning might be enough shock therapy to send me to the treadmill, but who wants to start each day in tears?
2. Two more words: summer clothes. -- I know, it seems like the swimsuit trumps the summer clothes when it comes to body shaping motivation- but, no. See the bathing suit is often too much pressure for a gal like me. It's entirely too easy to scoff at its tiny material and opt to avoid the pool entirely. (I'm not much of a water person anyway.)
3. Crane Pose or Bakasana -- So the first two were pretty superficial (summer does that to a person), but this one is a challenge that I really should take on. My yoga practice has always focused more on flexibility and meditation. It's time to ramp up the strength and balance aspects, so.... Bakasana, I'm calling you out. Even if it takes me until next summer, I will achieve this arm-supported pose!
4. Divvies Divvine Chocolate -- So glad to have found dairy-free, nut-free chocolate, but GAAAGH! It has not been a great discovery for my waistline! If I want to keep up the after dinner chocolate treat, I've got to burn some more calories earlier in the day!
5. Kindle -- It's just so easy to read when on the exercise bike, and it makes the time go fast! Sure, I might not pedal quite as fast when I'm reading, but if it gives me the motivation to keep riding a few extra miles, then that's not a bad thing!
6. Charm bracelet! -- Yep, I'm bribing myself to stay in shape. I bought myself a lovely charm bracelet and have a plan to earn exercise points (which covert to dollars) toward buying myself charms to add to it. Whatever works, right?
7. Mr. Pedometer -- We used to be inseparable. I didn't always live up to Mr. Pedometer's expectations, but then I'd push a little harder the next day. About 6 months ago, I started leaving Mr. Pedometer sleeping in his drawer and now my clothes are getting too snug. Hmm... it's definitely time for a reunion.
8. New clothes -- I actually don't like shopping. I hate trying on clothes, I hate choosing clothes, and I don't care to keep up with fashion trends. But my clothes still wear out eventually. When I'm feeling more toned and in shape, it's easier to find new clothes that fit comfortably (and like the clothes once they take up residence in my closet!).
9. Phantom mugger/rapist -- What woman doesn't dread the phantom mugger/rapist when walking to her car alone at night? Or maybe even when going jogging outside on her own? If he ever should appear, it could help to break out some Tae Bo kicks-- or better yet, have a shot at outrunning him!
10. Writer's flab -- People may talk about writer's block but the occupational hazard of writer's flab can be just as devastating. My brain may be churning away, and my fingers may be flying over the keyboard, but the rest of my muscles are slooowly melting into a pile of goo. The only defense? Make up for the sedentary job with a regular trip to the gym.
Which is where I'm off to now...
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