10 Excuses for NOT Working Out

I have a calendar on my wall where I write down all my workouts. I like it because when I see a couple of consecutive days with nothing written on them, I know it's time to hit the gym. And while I am not looking at it right now, I know that in November, I had hit the gym 12-16 times for at least an hour, averaging about 3-4 times per week. It is now the THIRD (really 2.5) week in December and I have hit the gym a whopping 4 times. That averages to be about 1.3-1.6 times a week - depending on how many weeks you think December has had...

This morning I read this article by Rachel Wilkerson that I found through Fila's Facebook page. It's her 10 Excuses she made that day for not wanting to go to yoga. I found it funny, especially since she happens to write the way that I think. Only her thoughts seem to be better organized. So in an homage to Rachel (they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery), I have decided to make my own top 10 Excuses for not hitting the gym regularly in the last few weeks.  Drumroll please...

1. I'm tired. Honey, when are you NOT tired? And you're probably tired because there are no endorphines running through your body. This is the I'm-too-lazy-to-do-anything kind of tired (the bad kind). Get off your butt and get the Good-Lord-I'm-so-tired-from-my-workout kind of tired.

2. It's cold and dark out. Well, it is December and since you don't live in a state that boasts 60-70 degree temps year round, it's always going to be cold this time of year. Layer on the clothes and get out the door.

3. I stayed at work a little later which lead to a later dinner. Now it's too late to work out. Isn't this why you wanted a 24-hour gym? Forego a little sleep tonight and you will probably end up living a lot longer.

4. I'm feeling lazy. Pardon my French but tough $h!t. You'll regret not going today, tomorrow.

5. I want to catch up on laundry, TV, BS-ing around on Facebook or Pinterest. A)You can fold the laundry another time. If you need clothes for tomorrow, pick out the ones you want to wear and steam them if you need to. B)Cut out TV - it just turns your brain to mush, especially considering what type of shows you watch and C)Facebook and Pinterest will still be there tomorrow. You can catch up on your lunch break.

6. I washed my hair today and don't want to have to wash it tomorrow. Yes, it's not great for your hair to be washed every day but isn't this why you bought Dry Shampoo? And if you really sweat, just wash your  hair. Jeez...

7. Crap, I forgot my gym clothes or a hair tie. You have to pass your house on the way to the gym anyway so take the extra 10 mins you'll need to go home, change and/or grab something you forgot. Just don't turn on the TV or sit on the bed when you get there!! Oh and next time, pack your stuff at night so you won't forget anything.

8. I don't know what I want to work on at the gym. Really? Then workout everything...or anything! Go to a class, hop on the (dreaded) treadmill, copy the moves of another person lifting weights. Just.DO.Something!

9. I'm still sore from working out the last time. That's because your muscles are getting weaker. Do you want to feel like this each time you workout? Pop an Advil and lace up your shoes.

10. I'll just start up the "workout more and eat better" plan next week. Don't put off to tomorrow what you can do today. There's no time like the present. Carpe Diem. Cliches aside, you really should start today. You know you should. Starting now will make it easier to stick to. Plus, starting now may save you years of crappy health down the road.....

BONUS EXCUSE! 

11. The hubs doesn't want to/can't go to the gym with me. So what? You've worked out without him before. You used to work out without him all the time. You're not 7 years old. Yes, it's dark and cold out but you do not need someone to hold your hand and walk you in. Be a big girl now so you're not a B-I-G girl later.

OK. OK. I have guilted myself into working out. Get off my back already...... :-)

Gotta Get Out of Vacation Mode

I'm back! From vacation at least. The hubby and I got back on Sunday from going on a cruise to the Bahamas with another couple. It's so hard to get back into the grind and off "vacation mode." I've been eating terribly since we got back because we haven't hit the grocery. We finally got back to the gym yesterday. Body Flow felt so good and I'm feeling a little sore (in the shoulders) today. I totally pigged out while on vacation but only gained 1-2 pounds so not too bad! With all the food available on the cruise, I'm shocked I didn't gain 5 pounds! Though food is available pretty much 24/7, we ate only 3 meals a day and kept the snacking to a minimum. I had brought a can of almonds and 2 bags of gummy bears with me - I finished the almonds and only one bag of gummies.

I had brought workout clothes and actually hit the gym (just once though) while on the cruise. It was SO hard to workout through because of the swaying of the boat. It was nearly impossible to keep my balance while lifting weights and running on the treadmill. I think I got about 6 minutes in on the treadmill before the swaying got to be too much and I felt sick.  I had a great time but am not sure if I would do another cruise (unless it's an Alaskan cruise).

The Bahamas was absolutely bea-u-ti-ful! The ocean was so clear and this perfect blue-green color. It was like a crayon! And the white sand made the beach look so clean. I would love to go back soon. The hubby and I both agreed that when we go back to the Bahamas, we will be in MUCH better shape. While I don't love the way I looked in a bathing suit, I was pretty happy that the bathing suits that were too small at the beginning of the summer fit well enough that I felt comfortable taking them. Woot. Here are some pictures - the first one from May - the beginning of this blog. The other two were taken this vacation. I don't have any pictures that were taken from the exact same angle but at the very least my stomach and face are a little leaner...If I keep at it, hopefully pictures from the next vacation that requires a bathing suit will have a me that I can barely recognize!

BTW, the hubby bought an XBOX Kinect (and Just Dance 3 and Dance Central games) on Black Friday and we tried it out the next day. Two songs into Just Dance 3, I was drenched in sweat. It was so much fun. It's gross outside now so I plan on playing tonight as my workout....Off I go! Got to lose 2 pounds just to get back on track....