Things to think about before you skip your workout

BrownSheep

I am new to regular exercise. So, I am trying to form a new habit. Some days it is really hard. I found this article "10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Skip Your Workout" and it has really helped me so I thought I would share it. http://exercise.about.com/od/plateausmotivation/tp/beforeyouskipyourworkout.htm I read that it takes 66 days to change a habit or acquire a new one. So, I have made the commitment to stick with MFP and the changes I am trying to make with in my lifestyle for 66 days before I say that I can't do this. I think I am at 42 days. I can't say that I love the gym. However, I do love that I am doing it and I have not given up. I know that I have made progress in other areas of my life in the last 6 weeks too. [That has been cracking me up.] At one point in my life, I was confined to a wheelchair for 8 years due to a brain aneurysm. So, the fact that I drive myself to a gym and get on a treadmill is a miracle. I have pushed hard before . . . like walking again. I just refuse to give up on exercise or reaching my goal weight. Really grateful to have discovered MFP!

GwhizzE

That's so amazing! I had been going to the gym but I let myself fall away. Going out of gratitude is a great way to get yourself there. Keep up the great habit building!

Altagracia220

That is a great mindset to have. You are on the right track. I think after making going to the gym a habit, eventually you'll come to a place where it will actually bother you not to go.

Also congratulations on your miracle! That is incredible.

philpottl

This is a great article, thanks for sharing! Keep up on the MFP, I think it's really true about the taking 66 days to form a habit. I have started and stopped MFP many times, but this round I'm at 72 days and I feel like it's not a "round" this time, it's just now something I do. I have REALLY bad days I've tracked (where at the end of the day, it tells me I'd be 9 pounds heavier in 5 weeks if I ate like that day!!!) but I find that those days are fewer and fewer now that I am tracking daily. It really does help you commit to a healthier way of life.

Your post and your story will help me motivate when I'm thinking of not going to the gym. And I don't know if this will help, but I've tried to stop thinking about not liking going to the gym and have been thinking about what I feel like when I leave the gym. That's a feeling that, for me, is what often times gets me there.

I wish you continued good health!

BrownSheep

Thanks everyone! I definitely appreciate the good advice about the words I use to talk about going to the gym and the benefit of your experiences!!!

999tigger

Awesome story OP best wishes for your continues journey. Learning to walk again beats weight loss any day. I just find it a bit dull but more or less straightforward.

Im thinking of a rest day tomorrow an read that article and can answer every one of those questions. Once you build up some momentum, then its much less of a problem, even if you dont like it. You just end up going.