We all have those days. I do. More than I would care to admit. Those days when we just
don’t want to __________ (fill in the blank.) Run, workout, go to work, get out of bed, wash
dishes…you get the idea. Well, I can’t help with all of those but I can offer some tips on
how to get out the door to run when you just don’t want to or when life seems to get in
the way. I’ve listed several suggestions on how to overcome obstacles/excuses that often
get in the way.
- Make the time – “I just don’t have time.” Who hasn’t said this before? Often it’s not a matter of time but more a matter of importance/priority/desire. Maybe you can’t find an hour to run or workout but you can find 30 minutes or even 15 minutes several times a day. Feel free to break up your workout and/or run into different parts of your day. Perhaps a morning and evening run or a morning run and evening strength training session. Bottom line, we make time for what we believe is important. You, your health and your well being are important.
- Reflection – Think about how good you feel afterwards. I cannot think of any time where I thought to myself, “I wish I hadn’t went on that run.”
- Involve your children – Bring your kids with you! Make it a family affair. Young children can be pushed in strollers. Older children can ride their bikes or even their Barbie Jeeps, etc. One of my Facebook group running buddies posted a picture of their child driving beside them in the toy car as they ran. If you have really young children, you can workout during their nap time or after they go to bed for the evening.
- Pump up the MUSIC – Studies have shown that music can help improve performance during exercise. Put together your own running/workout playlist with your favorite rocking tunes that get you pumped up and excited. Need a little inspiration? Many music apps have playlists already selected for different types of workouts. Pick your genre and go!
- Set out your clothes the night before. Or, better yet, sleep in them. I personally know how challenging it can be to try to get up early to run before your day is taken over by the rest of life. When you have your clothes and gear ready to go, it provides less time to get distracted and change your mind about getting out and going. Plus, there’s likely to be a little twinge of guilt when you change out of your running/ workout clothes knowing you didn’t actually run.
- Develop good habits. Discipline can take over when your motivation wanes. Often people think they can only do things when they feel like it. NO! If we only did things when we felt like it, imagine how much we would actually accomplish. Me? Not nearly as much as I would like. It’s a choice.
- Find your why. What drives you? Why do you choose to get up early at 5 am to get that workout/run in? Or work in that 30 minute gym session rather than veg out on the couch in front of the tv? Maybe it’s the feeling of accomplishment you have when you’re done. Maybe it’s the health benefits you receive from moving your body. Perhaps, it’s in honor/memory of a family member of friend that for some reason isn’t able to be physically active. Whatever reason, find your why; your fire.
I hope you find these helpful. I’ve used any number of them to help with that little extra push. Also, give yourself grace. There will be days when it just doesn’t happen. Don’t give up. Tomorrow is a new day. What tips would you add to this list?
Go. Run. Fitness anywhere – Jen