It appears as though I accidentally took a 6 week hiatus... I assure you it wasn't entirely intentional. I have had some very large changes in my life - like moving 960 miles away from my hometown and transplanting myself in New England!
The transition of a big move and in turn, new routines and eating habits has been a struggle. But, I have somehow successfully been able to maintain my weight loss (wavering a pound or two) even though the gym and healthy food options have not been as readily available.
That being said, I feel this is a topic that must be touched on... STRESS.
If you're like me, and most of you probably are, you find a sort of comfort and warmth in a good meal. Now I'm from the South, and in the South, that comfort food looks a little more like mashed potatoes and fried chicken and a lot less like a grilled chicken salad. But, you have to be able to fight the comfort food demon. Maybe not all the time, but some of the time at least!
I am not without flaws folks, I grab food and munch on it to feel better just like everyone else.
The thing you have to remember is, the taste of that food will only last seconds, maybe minutes (if you're a super slow chewer) in your mouth, but it could last weeks, months or even years on your thighs!
Stress is evil, and it will cause you to make poor choices in lots of avenues of your life, whether you grab a large pizza, wash it down with a classic coke and half an apple pie, or grab yourself a 12 pack of brew, or a carton of smokes, or whatever else to calm your nerves... these are temporary fixes.
Sometimes, stressful situations are out of your control and when that happens a good distraction may be your shining savior. I'm likely alone when I say this but, cleaning is a good distraction for me. If I'm bored and stressed and running to the kitchen to open the cupboards and look in them even though I know I'm not hungry, I clean.
I'm certain you kind find another distraction that may be more pleasing to your palate. Maybe you play with your pets, kids or friends. Maybe you go to the park and enjoy the sunshine. Maybe you play a video game or board game. Maybe you shop or start a craft project. Or... maybe you gym. Speaking of the gym - some of us (myself included at times) cannot bring ourselves to gym when stressed.
The thing to remember about the gym is - you need to try to enjoy it! If you are going to the gym because you feel like it's a chore - you will likely stop wanting to go. This happened to me recently. Sure, I'm not always doing cartwheels on the way to my workout because I'm so excited to go sweat for an hour or more... but this feeling of dreading the gym was becoming routine.
If you're bored with the gym and are unable to get out of that rut, try one of these:
- a new workout: do some research, there are lots of exercises out there, try them all! Google is your friend!
- circuit training: read this blog entry.
- join a class: Zumba is all the rage these days, or try kickboxing, cardioblast, strength training (don't worry - you won't look silly - everyone looks silly!)
- get a dvd: they're cheap, you can get them used at your favorite used bookstore, or on amazon.com and you can do them in the privacy of your home!
- get outside - it's summertime: there are lots of things to do outside - walk, run, bike, play frisbee, soccer, softball, baseball, basketball, football, rugby, canoe, kayak, hike, swim... get the picture?
Most of all, enjoy yourself!
Feel free to add your own comments, suggestions or ways to beat gym boredom - we could all use a little help.
The transition of a big move and in turn, new routines and eating habits has been a struggle. But, I have somehow successfully been able to maintain my weight loss (wavering a pound or two) even though the gym and healthy food options have not been as readily available.
That being said, I feel this is a topic that must be touched on... STRESS.
If you're like me, and most of you probably are, you find a sort of comfort and warmth in a good meal. Now I'm from the South, and in the South, that comfort food looks a little more like mashed potatoes and fried chicken and a lot less like a grilled chicken salad. But, you have to be able to fight the comfort food demon. Maybe not all the time, but some of the time at least!
I am not without flaws folks, I grab food and munch on it to feel better just like everyone else.
The thing you have to remember is, the taste of that food will only last seconds, maybe minutes (if you're a super slow chewer) in your mouth, but it could last weeks, months or even years on your thighs!
Stress is evil, and it will cause you to make poor choices in lots of avenues of your life, whether you grab a large pizza, wash it down with a classic coke and half an apple pie, or grab yourself a 12 pack of brew, or a carton of smokes, or whatever else to calm your nerves... these are temporary fixes.
Sometimes, stressful situations are out of your control and when that happens a good distraction may be your shining savior. I'm likely alone when I say this but, cleaning is a good distraction for me. If I'm bored and stressed and running to the kitchen to open the cupboards and look in them even though I know I'm not hungry, I clean.
I'm certain you kind find another distraction that may be more pleasing to your palate. Maybe you play with your pets, kids or friends. Maybe you go to the park and enjoy the sunshine. Maybe you play a video game or board game. Maybe you shop or start a craft project. Or... maybe you gym. Speaking of the gym - some of us (myself included at times) cannot bring ourselves to gym when stressed.
The thing to remember about the gym is - you need to try to enjoy it! If you are going to the gym because you feel like it's a chore - you will likely stop wanting to go. This happened to me recently. Sure, I'm not always doing cartwheels on the way to my workout because I'm so excited to go sweat for an hour or more... but this feeling of dreading the gym was becoming routine.
If you're bored with the gym and are unable to get out of that rut, try one of these:
- a new workout: do some research, there are lots of exercises out there, try them all! Google is your friend!
- circuit training: read this blog entry.
- join a class: Zumba is all the rage these days, or try kickboxing, cardioblast, strength training (don't worry - you won't look silly - everyone looks silly!)
- get a dvd: they're cheap, you can get them used at your favorite used bookstore, or on amazon.com and you can do them in the privacy of your home!
- get outside - it's summertime: there are lots of things to do outside - walk, run, bike, play frisbee, soccer, softball, baseball, basketball, football, rugby, canoe, kayak, hike, swim... get the picture?
Most of all, enjoy yourself!
Feel free to add your own comments, suggestions or ways to beat gym boredom - we could all use a little help.
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