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Today’s blog post is kind of new to me. If you are a regular reader, you know I don’t go into too much personal info about myself. But after this morning’s workout, I just feel inspired to share.
About 4 years ago, after the usual early relationship weight gain, Ryan and I got serious about working out and eating well. We started the P90X workout program. While Ry was religious about it and went through a few full cycles of the program, I generally had a full cardio workout at the gym in the morning, and then would do a P90X workout with him during the afternoon about 3 times per week. You can imagine this left us in pretty good shape!
Then all of a sudden, I wasn’t working from home any more. I was now in an office, where I had to leave for work at 8am, and don’t get home until 5:30pm. I know, not so horrible, but the change in lifestyle is jaunting. And on top of it, I was adjusting to not spending as much time with Ry and Reise. So the last thing I wanted to do was leave the house again and not see them even more. Oh yeah, I also introduced a little something to my schedule called grad school too!
But then one day, as the muscle tone slowly slipped away, and I had to start watching my calories again, I decided, Just do it Renee. You are your only obstacle. And with that, I started waking up at 5am to workout before work. You see, at 5am, you are your only obstacle. There are no phone calls or emails to get in the way. There is no errand you need to complete. If you weren’t up to be working out, you would be sleeping. See, the only obstacle to overcome is yourself, and if you don’t make it to the gym, the only thing you can blame is yourself.
And with that another year of workouts went strong. But then something happened. I think I took a week or so off for vacation, and then some one came to visit, and then….and then….you know how that goes. So I found myself unable to get motivated again. And when I did get going, I would go for one week and then couldn’t get myself back again.
Then, last month, I got grumpy. Really, really grumpy. I started feeling depressed and like I was constantly having panic attacks. I felt so bad for poor Ryan who was a saint through it all, and even did some research on the way I was feeling. What did he find….I needed to start exercising again! Of course.
I mean, it makes perfect sense. When I exercise on a small trampoline for kids I feel great, I sleep great, and I eat great. When I don’t exercise, I don’t. So after a full month of being a total mope, I am back on schedule!
Granted, this is only my second week back on schedule, but something is clicking. I walked out of the gym the last two mornings, and everything felt amazing and right. I can feel my body saying thank you, and yes, this is what I needed.
So my friends, hopefully the month of moodiness is gone, and I am back into the age of exercise! I think I may start posting more about exercising, but maybe not…we’ll see 🙂
I have been feeling the same way lately and I’ve been getting myself up at 5:30 AM every morning to work out, despite the insane hours I’ve been working the past month. Still, I feel better about myself and have more energy to get through the day!
Well Said.. and So True:) Thank you!
You can do it!! I’ve fallen into this slump before as well but this summer got on a really consistent routine. My goal is to keep working out in the mornings, despite my crazed schedule. Buying an elliptical for home in January has really helped (it actually was too pricey – less than a year’s worth of gym fees – and it forces me to use to exercise). GOOD LUCK.
I would LOVE to get an eliptical at home…just not sure where I would put it!
Great post Renee! I know exactly what you are going through. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Katy!
Great post, so honest! I totally know what you mean. When I finished grad school, I started working full time AND started dating Jon. It was like the freshman 15 all over again. But we recently got a puppy (and I have a bridesmaid’s dress that needs to fit better), so I’m getting up early (between 5 and 5:30) to walk. I hope to start running soon, and your post was such motivation to do that!
Thanks Lindsey! Its funny you say that, because the first time I got in shape was because of seeing the pictures of me as MOA at my bff’s wedding! I just remembered that reading your post!
I need some of your motivation to get back on the workout wagon!
You just need something to click (or set you over the edge) and you can do it! 🙂
Great post! I have been slacking about working out in the mornings but it really is the best! There is something so great about starting my day with a hard workout. Good luck girl and keep up the good work!
Thanks Bianca! I had a scheduled day off today and I was SO sleepy the entire day! Makes me look forward to 5am tomorrow….kindof 🙂
GREAT Post Renee! I kicked my butt into early morning work outs this summer and I cannot tell you how much I’ve been loving them. I always thought I’d hate getting up early to workout- but it is the best way to kick off the day and makes the rest of the day so much better! Love how you spelled it all out here!
Congrats on getting re-motivated! I’m kind of in the same position. I leave the house at 8 and don’t get back til 6, and I have trouble making myself work out especially after my walk home from the T. I have been kind of grumpy and tired lately though, and I know if I fit in a little exercise — even 30 min of yoga — I would feel a lot better.
The best way I found to avoid skipping a workout? Become an instructor! I never miss that 6am spin class because I’m teaching it! Congrats on getting your groove back – thanks for sharing.
I quit my job 3 months ago to stay home with the kids and bring some sanity back to my family. AND my husband and I now have the time to workout! Since then, I’ve done one tri, and am signed up for a 10K and my first 1/2 marathon this Dec. I feel great, have more energy and I think I need less sleep. Oh, and I crave healthier food. I want your abs from the first picture!
Ha! Thanks Mickelle! Keep up that schedule and you will have way better abs in no time. I’m not gonna lie…I’m a little jealous 🙂 Enjoy your time!