Motivation taking a vacation?
As much as we are loathe to admit it...we BuddhaBabes are human. No, not super heroes in our orange and pink tank tops, with matching capes flying over NYC, spreading the word on fitness, health, fun, and a life of balance. No, we are actually JUST LIKE YOU. Really, exactly like you. Sometimes sticking to our workouts and eating healthfully is a breeze and we feel so good we just want to shake the whole world and say...HEY WORLD! Do this, and you'll thank us later! But there are times when it's not so easy.
Tracy here, and right now is one of those times for me. I’m feeling not-so-motivated. Fall is in the air and I’m such a beach lovin' girl, that I feel a little blue when I know the leaves are turning and the weather starts to get cooler. After all of those years in school, I’m programmed to feel like autumn is really the beginning of the year. The Type-A part of me is feeling like I "should" have accomplished more by this time of year. Before long, Thanksgiving will be here and it’s such a challenge to complete things, let alone squeeze in workouts (not to mention into my tightest jeans) before New Year’s Eve.
Tracy here, and right now is one of those times for me. I’m feeling not-so-motivated. Fall is in the air and I’m such a beach lovin' girl, that I feel a little blue when I know the leaves are turning and the weather starts to get cooler. After all of those years in school, I’m programmed to feel like autumn is really the beginning of the year. The Type-A part of me is feeling like I "should" have accomplished more by this time of year. Before long, Thanksgiving will be here and it’s such a challenge to complete things, let alone squeeze in workouts (not to mention into my tightest jeans) before New Year’s Eve.
Thankfully my job dictates that I work out. I’d feel like a big (fat) fraud if I don't work out, but honestly, while I’m up and out the door nearly every day to meet with clients and get them motivated, I’m having a hard time getting fired up for my own work outs. How can I motivate my students and get them excited about working out when all I want to do is snuggle up with a blanket and catch up on the guilty-pleasure reality shows that I'm just too embarrassed to view in front of others? I’m feeling not-so-secretly lazy.
In times like this I know that I need to stimulate myself in ways beyond my normal routine. I negotiate with myself. Okay, watch your reality shows but only while jumping on your mini-trampoline so you’ll burning calories while feeding your dirty little TV habit. What else? Dancing always refreshes me. Taking dance classes doesn't feel like exercise, and the next thing I know I’m DRENCHED in more sweat than if I maxed out on the toughest cardio machines at the gym. Sometimes I dust off my rollerblades and take a ride along the Hudson River and see how much the city has changed since I first moved here. I might get a new exercise DVD, take a yoga class at a studio I have never been to, or just mix it up and go to a different branch of my gym. The point here is to do something.
In times like this I know that I need to stimulate myself in ways beyond my normal routine. I negotiate with myself. Okay, watch your reality shows but only while jumping on your mini-trampoline so you’ll burning calories while feeding your dirty little TV habit. What else? Dancing always refreshes me. Taking dance classes doesn't feel like exercise, and the next thing I know I’m DRENCHED in more sweat than if I maxed out on the toughest cardio machines at the gym. Sometimes I dust off my rollerblades and take a ride along the Hudson River and see how much the city has changed since I first moved here. I might get a new exercise DVD, take a yoga class at a studio I have never been to, or just mix it up and go to a different branch of my gym. The point here is to do something.
Sure we want to look better, but feeling better is the best result of getting active. Ask yourself, what makes you feel your best? When do you love working out and moving? While I’m on vacation I find I’m very active. I love to hike, to bike, to surf, practice yoga, things that I often don’t have time or the space in my New York day to actually do. These are clues! These are things that I do with joy! Don't get me wrong, I love Pilates and I love working out. Sometimes I just need to mix it up a little and find new ways to stimulate and challenge myself.
Notice when you feel this way, and without judgment just say, okay, it’s time to mix it up! Make it a game. What's one way I can change up my workout? Run a different route, try a new machine at the gym, try a class that intimidates you—like boxing or kettle bells, adding Mat classes to Pilates, trying hot yoga. And on the flip side, know it's temporary. Change up your work out and get-up and go! You will feel like a super hero! You'll thank us later! 