Overcoming the Inertia

[faie]

Hello all,

Have you all been on a week long break from cardio or strength training, and find it hard to overcome the inertia to get yourselves back on track?

I suffered from a horrible migraine attack early last week that went on for a couple of days. I decided to take a break from all forms of cardio and strength training last week. But now that I'm okay, I find it hard to overcome my desire to lay back and relax.

Has this happened to any of you? How did you motivate yourselves to get back on track. I just need to get past this inertia, and find that momentum to keep on working out.

 

[clareMc]

Faie:

I have just taken 7 weeks off from rigorous cathe exercise. I have been power walking for the last two weeks as a slow, intro back into working out, and also because the weather has been too nice to sweat it out indoors. But today I started for real with Rhythmic Step and tomorrow is Supersets and I'm getting back into the swing again.

What clinched the deal for me? It was nothing tangible, just an inner feeling that I needed to reinstate the self-discipline, the routine, so that it will spill over into my working life. I need to get my act together after the Summer slumber.

You will be OK because you have only taken a week out and actually, you know, I see that as a good thing. We shouldn't be slaves to exercise, no working out like an automaton. You should enjoy the rest away from it and then return to it in a mindful fashion, so that you enjoy the full sensation of your body's agility, strength and power.

I think you will start again real soon, you are already about ready to kick yourself back into action. One day you will wake up and something will click into place and you will know that the time has come and you will prioritize Cathe over relaxing on the couch. Relax on the couch after. Just wait for the feeling, your own internal reasons to lace up those sneakers.

Clare

 

[faie]

Thanks Clare! I needed that I guess I worked myself too hard, that when I got my migraine I just felt wanted to take a break and give my overworked body a well deserved rest. Yeah, I guess you're right: I'll probably come around realizing I need to discipline myself to achieve my fitness goals, and that's when I'll get the momentum going again.

 

[candi]

For me it's all in discipline. You have control over what you do and what you don't do. Like the NIKE add...just do it!

You also have to value your self worth and hold onto that for dear life. Are you worth doing the best you can for yourself?

 

[Maximus]

It's actually recommended that you take a week off at least twice a year. Personally I feel really strong when I come back from a week off--w/weightlifting anyway. Don't notice much of a difference w/cardio, except it's always a great relief to get back to it after not doing it for a week.

 

[cjbate]

Tell yourself that all you are going to do is put your workout clothes on and shoes...tell yourself that you aren't necessarily going to workout...just put on the outfit. If I do that, usually by the time I have gotten it on, I am enthused enough to go start a video ("I am just going to START the video...not necessarily do all of it"...a big lie, but it works...I will of course make myself finish it!)

Sounds cheesy but works for me
One day at a time. After one or two days like that I am back on track.

Jen

 

[nancy324]

Wow! I'm completely the opposite of Candi. Like day and night. I'm not about discipline at all and I never force myself to do anything. I totally trust in my body's inner wisdom, and I LOVE to exercise when I'm in the right mood for it, which is most of the time. I love the way the exercise feels and if I go too long without it, my muscles start to cry out for it. I do it because it feels great! I wouldn't worry about inertia, because one day soon you're going to wake up and really want to exercise. Enjoy your time off!

-Nancy

 

[candi]

Discipline works very well for me.

It helped me raise my daughter.
It got me through my divorce (without a lawyer...did it on my own).
It gets me through Cathe's workouts...the first time I do them.
It got me from a temporary at work to a management position in an Engineering environment that employs mostly men.
It got me through my undergrad and my master's degree.
It helps me eat healthy.

It also helped me find the fabulous husband I have now. I asked him out the first time.

To each their own.

I do take a week off when I go on vacation...but I always get back on track.

 

[nancy324]

Candi-

Definitely, to each her own! I can't motivate myself by discipline cause I'm too rebellious. I'm motivated by passion. I have to actually enjoy the process. No suffering through anything for me, unless it's for a short period of time, like getting through a root canal or something. I did well in law school because I LOVED being back in school. Finding my wonderful husband was pure joy. Okay, I did hold out forever for Mr. Right, maybe that was some kind of discipline? I believe it was Arnold Schwartzenegger who said that the only way to succeed is to enjoy the process. And if I'm enjoying what I'm doing, I don't consider it to involve "discipline", but maybe my definition of the word is too negative? Obviously you must have enjoyed many aspects of all of the things you did, and no doubt there was plenty of passion there. I think there is for most people.