Up early to get in PCP training, yoga practice and a blog entry before the bulk of a busy workday. It's an effective trick learned with past workout programs -- get it going first thing and there's this great sense of accomplishment for the rest of the day. Last minute deadlines and lack of motivation tend to plague me by close of business, and not getting in my workout can foil my mood for sure.
True story. I was talking to a friend a while back about my fitness practices, and she was complaining about her lack of exercise. Being a busy, high-powered corporate exec, she felt that she never had time to work out, but could always find 4-5 hours to flop in front of the TV each night. Then she stopped, her eyes widened, and she mimed a smack in the forehead. It was one of those "therapist" moments when you're talking out loud, in search of an answer and out it comes, from your very own lips.
There was a treadmill parked in front of said TV shortly thereafter.
I think about that exchange often and use it as motivation to get myself out of bed on a cold morning. Am I making the time to do something great for my body, mind and spirit, or am I just making excuses that will leave me grumpy at the end of the day?
Then, I think about Ben Stiller as Starsky, and just DO IT, DO IT! (Dumb movie, but the line makes me laugh.) Whatever works, right?
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So far, so good. The jump roping takes more energy than I thought, but the strength training is a breeze. (Ah, Patrick will say just you wait, ladies!).
Half portions, bah! Though, doesn't food taste extra yummy when you're hungry?
Welcome to PCP, Shelly!
ReplyDeleteI much prefer exercising in the morning than the evening, 'cause I can always find things to fill my nighttime, but not first thing in the morning.
Keep up the enthusiasm!
I agree with yours and E's comments completely! I did my PCP this morning too and felt so much better for it. And have much more energy than I did Monday to yesterday!
ReplyDeleteShelley, I'm going to use this post as motivation...especially when it starts to get cold outside!
ReplyDeleteJust you wait. Pretty soon the strength part will have your muscles screaming!
ReplyDeleteThe exercises WILL get tougher, but only when your body is prepared for them. Morning workouts are awesome but an afternoon strength session feels so smooth when your body is all warmed up!
ReplyDeleteI've actually found that trying to get my PCP exercises done in the morning stresses me out. I like the theory of it, but the practice not so much. The main problem is my son - left to his own devices, he'll sleep til 8 or 8:30, but if I get up at 6:30, he'll be up at 6:35, no matter how quiet I am - and from that point on, I have to attend to him instead of exercise, which was the whole reason I got up early in the first place. Anyway, I've been hitting the gym regularly at 9:30-10pm lately and finding it's not so bad.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I left out of my post was the HUGE respect I have for fitness focused parents. Not only are they doing something good for themselves, they're a setting great example for their children. Making time is harder when raising a family, no doubt!
ReplyDeleteShout out: A friend of mine has two small kids, a stressful work life, and is working on her spinning instructor certification. She should have it by the end of the month. Go, KWE!!