Let's list some common issues we have that get in our way of living out a healthy and active life. Then we'll brainstorm together as a community to help each other overcome those issues. You can post anonymously if you'd like. I'll start us off:
I don't know how I'll find the time to exercise?
-Consider exercising in the morning before you start your day.
-Use your breaks for lite activities and e at immediately afterward (eg, short walks, lite yoga/stretches in your office, walk up/down the stairs, etc.)
-Get things done during physical activity (ride your bike for transportation, write to do lists/phone calls/watch tv while on cardio equipment, etc.)
-Keep a workout bag in your car or by the front door.
-If you're so busy you forget to exercise/eat, set reminders/alarms in your phone or computer.
-Consult a trainer to assist in purchasing a home gym or in designing a home/office routine.
-Park further away
-And most of all, realize that "I don't have enough time" is just an excuse. In my experience I have had clients with the most brutal s chedules imaginable that found time not only to see me regularly but also to incorporate health/fitness into their daily lives. Remember, we can find many reasons to do or not do anything.
Post some other remedies to this issue or some new issues and the community and I can help!
Post some other remedies to this issue or some new issues and the community and I can help!
What do you suggest for an all-or-nothing mentality? I find myself (and many others) struggling with this in terms of exercise.
ReplyDeleteGreat question! This mentality is usually associated with the "Perfectionist" personality. I too suffer from this personality trait, it usually leads to procrastination. It is crucial that the Perfectionist maintain focus on the process rather than the goal. In fact, another take on this would be that the process is the goal. The Perfectionist is in danger of the thought of "if I can't reach the ultimate goal, then why bother?" The reality check is that perfection is unattainable and our goal must not be to lose 100 lbs or to lift 500 lbs. Our goal is simply a healthy lifestyle. That lifestyle can promote weight loss or strength gains, but again, the goal is the lifestyle not the absolute number. Life, is by nature, moderate. There are highs and lows, but overall it is simply moderate. So now our goal is really a moderately healthy lifestyle. This means that it is okay to miss a workout here or there, or indulge on a night out now and again. Give yourself some grace and get back to a moderate life.
ReplyDeleteAnother trick is to change your focus from time to time. This is the idea of periodization. In exercise terms, change your mode of exercise or workout design every 3 weeks or so. This is a great way to avoid a physical plateau but also a mental one. The 3 week periods will serve as mini-goals that you can build throughout. You can also do this with your nutritional habits. Spend 3 weeks diligently recording a food log, then give yourself a couple of days to relax and not have to think much about your food, then set a new 3 week period. Once you reach a place you'd like to maintain, just monitor your weight and practice moderation. If you need another 3 week focus period do it. Remember to allow yourself some "recovery" days now and again without beating yourself up. Athletes require recovery periods to help increase performance, so do you.
It is never all or nothing. Most everything runs on a spectrum. What helps me is knowing that even a little bit is better than nothing. SOMETHING is always better than nothing. Looking at the things I have done that are positive instead of the negative helps get rid of my defeatist attitude. Even if i just walk around the block, it is better than sitting in front of the TV for those 15-20 minutes.
ReplyDelete