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Careening Off the Workout Wagon

Careening Off the Workout Wagon

There is no shortage of exercise regimens out there, whether you’re perusing magazines like Shape, surfing health web sites like Weight Watchers or taking a peek at the latest work-out video, but the challenge is not picking one, it’s sticking to one. Is there a better way to go about committing to exercise that the majority of us are failing to grasp?
 
Gretchen Rubin of “The Happiness Project” focuses on using resolutions to really make change happen. Exercising and getting in shape are two of those resolutions the majority of us have made at one time, most likely more than once. Exercising is obviously beneficial to both the mind and body, but it also means falling off the wagon can be a real downer, even devastating because you feel like a failure.
 
Rubin consults a yoga instructor for the common pitfalls in committing to exercise using familiar declarations like “I have to start TOMORROW. No delay!” and looking for warning signs in these statements. Even if you do fall off the exercise wagon, it’s important to remember you can pick yourself up and get right back on again!

How do you get yourself back on the work-out wagon? Have you been able to formulate an exercise plan you can stick to?
 

Posted: 10/2/08
cobber

I haven't missed for over 23 years. On Christmas and New Year's Days, I feel a little out of whack because I can't swim. I must be part duck.

  • By cobber
  • on 10/15/08 10:38 AM EST
stevewhardin

I'm struggling now that it is getting cold. I usually ride in the mornings but it is dark and cold both. Going to the gym takes longer for me and I'm having a heck of a time getting up early to do it!

joepierce

I've found that the key to not falling off the workout wagon is to remind yourself that the world will wait for you. You just gotta put your workout (and yourself) first. Hell or high water - so to speak.

LauraLee311

The key is not to beat yourself up when you fall off the wagon. For example, I was in a really good workout routine for a couple of weeks. I'd either run outside or mix up my gym classes among Pilates, yoga, circuit training and weight lifting classes. However, this week, I've had to work later and by the time I get home it's almost dark and/or I've missed my classes. It's just one of those weeks. Life happens. Next week, (hopefully) I'll get back on my schedule.