I know we all have some reason for getting up in the morning. Usually its our jobs, our kids, our lives. But what gets you to the gym, is what I am interested in knowing. Some people say it’s to lose weight, or keep weight off. Others may say it’s for their health, a wonderful excuse. Others I know, say it’s their “respite”, a break from their hectic schedules. Hey, some even go to the gym to check out members of the opposite sex! Whatever floats your boat, as the saying goes. But what about those days when the last thing you want to do is put on workout wear and hit the Treadmill? We all have them, and let me be the first to tell you: it’s completely normal. We all need a break sometimes. However, I don’t know about you, but there have been lapses for weeks when I just don’t make working out a priority. And that’s ok too, but this little voice in the back of my head keeps saying….”I really should get to the gym….” I think we’ve all been there, as life comes first and sometimes working out is not what we want to do right then. Funny though, each and every time I’ve been too tired, too busy, too stressed that I DO make it to the gym, I find that I feel great afterwards. This is motivation enough for me. It works. Exercise should be a part of our regular lives. Whether it’s to keep your heart healthy or to wind down, remember your motivation-and take that extra time to feel better afterwards. And, you never know who you might meet at the gym!
Posts Tagged ‘priority’
What Motivates You?
Thursday, September 27th, 2007Triathlon #2 completed – Fearless and Unstoppable is a team effort
Monday, August 27th, 2007High Country Triathlon
2:44
Approximate times for each event
Swim – 18
Ride – 1:25
Run – 50
Transitions – about 5 minutes each
Aspen Life. The name says it all! Healthy lifestyles are a priority here like no other place on earth (except maybe Maui). The participants of the high country triathlon here in Aspen are a representation of the most healthy, happy & fit people around. Everywhere I looked I saw confident smiles, determination and the most positive general outlook on life you could find anywhere. People being friendly and helping each other be their best. I believe this is a direct correlation or reflection of how people feel about themselves here.
I showed up with a flat tire on my bike. Knowing I could change a bike tire wasn’t comforting with less than 30 minutes and nerves that made my hands less than nimble. No sooner did I realize I was in real trouble than a guy from Nova Scotia tried to help; and even though he couldn’t do much – the fact that he was there inspired me to figure it out. I looked up and there was Mark Alderdice, the Aspen Club cycling coach and master instructor ready to save the day! After he teased me (thank you), he urged me to get ready for the race and he’d take care of the bike. WOW! I couldn’t believe my relief & good fortune.
I Arrived at the pool to find my tri-posse waiting and cheering for me. I had resigned myself to being on my own that day and was touched and honored to be greeted by my ‘mountain girl power team’.
I made instant buddies with the girls in my swim heat, which made the fact that I had that panic – heart racing, – gasping for breath meltdown again a little more bearable. My nerves are really an issue that I am being called to attend to. Jumped out of the pool (last) and immediately recovered to make my ride up the Bells a tribute to my home and a prep for the run I dreaded. I even got to motivate a fellow racer who was struggling at the top of the ride. Going into the run I was amazed and relieved that I felt strong and light. Surprised that we weren’t going to have to run the high school track before finishing allowed me to sprint to the finish. I felt like I could have run forever!
I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face as I saw my posse and my friend and wellness coach Dirk Shultz there with his camera, stylish look and a hug for my sweaty body. His presence was the finishing touch to an amazing goal I never imagined for myself.
Later, I couldn’t resist helping a fellow racer by brining her to the local bike shop to fix her broken chain and help her negotiate Independence Pass for her drive home to Denver (and another triathlon the next morning!). She said to me “You know how you described what that guy Mark did for you? I feel like you’re doing that same thing for me!”
Being Fearless and Unstoppable is truly a team effort. Thank you to the Aspen Club and Spa for inspiring and supporting me to be Fabulous at 40.
Follow my countdown to minus 8 more lbs. before my 40th birthday on September 22! 
Just do This
Friday, July 6th, 2007Those are three words, that, when applied to fitness, I absolutely despise. If it were as simple as doing X, Y, or Z… I would not have a job. There is no magic pill, no 10 minute-a-day program, no singular thing that will transform you into someone else overnight. It is a process. A process which will lead to behavior modifications. A process that will eventually change your lifestyle. Once you get that far, there won’t be any more thoughts of fad diets or ordering that stupid fold-up machine off of the home shopping network. Once you’ve changed your lifestyle to revolve around health and fitness, you WILL get results.
It is just like anything else that requires a commitment and a lot of time and effort. Lets use school for example. Whether you have a PhD or dropped out of high school, everyone can relate to this. If studying is not a priority, you will struggle. You can get cliff notes (diet pills), or try to copy off someone (gimmicks), but at the end of the day, you will only succeed if school was a priority and your lifestyle fit accordingly.
So, while town and the Aspen Club is filled with people from all over the world these next two months, there will definitely be plenty of novel ideas as well as plenty of, “just do this” to get into shape talk. I’m telling you that no single thing will whip you into shape. It has to be a priority that is always in the back of your mind. Healthy food choices, moderate portions, adequate rest, hydration, and a variety of quality work outs that include some resistance training.
Taking the time to exercise
Friday, June 15th, 2007Let’s face it, sometimes the last thing we want to do is go to the gym. The couch can seem pretty appealing after a long day. Often we just don’t have the mojo for it, or the time. But we “do” have the time and the energy if we make it a priority. As I was leading a class during some abdominal work yesterday, and could hear a little grunting and groaning (probbly coming from me!) I thought about that saying “nobody ever said I wish I didn’t go to the gym today.” It is simply true, isn’t it. I think the hardest part is getting there. Once inside, its smooth sailing. They say even 15 minutes of exercise a day makes a difference. And when you are done, you feel pretty darn good about yourself and your body. There is nothing like the feeling of accomplishment, and following through on a commitment. So the next time you are weighing options in your head about either snoozing through your regular workout time or about getting in the car and going to the gym, remember that mantra-you certainly won’t regret going to the gym, I promise!