Slump over?

[DebSP]

I don't know what the heck is wrong with me! My daughter came to live with us about 6 months ago and I lent her my car to use for her job. I have used that as an excuse not to go to the gym because I used to go right after work and now I am getting a ride so I can't go. I was still riding my bike up until the weather turned. Now I am not doing anything and to top it off I have been eating more goodies than I normally do. So in a very short time my pants are tight at the waist. And there is nothing wrong with me. I haven't been sick. I am not depressed. I do hate winter when I can't get outside. I will go cross country skiing but this year the weather is not co-operating. So today (while my pound cake is baking) I decided to do a workout at home. My goodness, it was like I never worked out before in my life! Ok ladies how do I keep the forward momentum? I am already glad that tomorrow is not a workout day. I usually do them every other day. Has anyone got any suggestions? (Boy this pound cake is good!)

[Tri Girl]

Step away from the pound cake.

But really, just make it a priority. Since you've started, just keep it going. Maybe if the sweets are too tempting, you could tell yourself that you're only allowed to eat a sweet once a day on days you work out. ?? I don't know- it is harder to get back into a routine when you've been out of one for so long. I always think for me that laziness begets laziness- when I don't workout, it's so easy to not do it- but when I do it regularly it's so hard to stop.
Best of luck!!! Spring will be here in no time, then you'll be back out on your bike!

[Veronica]

I write out what I plan to do each day of the week and then check it off when it gets done. That allows me to factor in days off from work, meetings after school, etc. Since I usually plan two workouts a day Mon - Thurs., I always feel good when I have only missed one or two from the plan.

I also do not have much in the way of foods that cause me to overeat in my house. No pound cake!

Veronica

[Deborajen]

Oh, I can relate! I've slacked off over the past year and a half, too.--

I agree that you have to plan your workouts. "This week, I WILL run on Sunday and Thursday, I WILL go to the gym on Tuesday and Saturday" - etc., and then MAKE it happen - it's a priority. That's what I did in the past and it's what I've slacked off on -- I know how bad those first workouts after slacking feel - think of those every time you feel like "taking a break" --

I couldn't drive to the gym for six months a few years ago because I had a couple of seizures, so I ended up using a wood box DH had made to use as a step stool in the living room in front of the tv for stair step routines. It was an easy workout to make happen because I didn't use tv as an excuse to not work out - and I didn't have to drive to the gym.

And don't throw away the pound cake. Just freeze some of it and save it as a reward for yourself later - a little at a time!

[jessmarimba]

Well, you're already following one of my rules - no junk food unless you made it yourself! And around here that can be a pretty calorie intense workout in and of itself - ever try to make a cheesecake without a mixer?

I keep a yoga mat in the tv room so I can do simple exercises while I watch tv in the evening. I tend to stay holed up in that room b/c it's the warmest place in the house in the winter, but at least with the yoga mat there I'm inspired to do something while I watch tv.

[Owlie]

Well, you're already following one of my rules - no junk food unless you made it yourself! And around here that can be a pretty calorie intense workout in and of itself - ever try to make a cheesecake without a mixer?

I keep a yoga mat in the tv room so I can do simple exercises while I watch tv in the evening. I tend to stay holed up in that room b/c it's the warmest place in the house in the winter, but at least with the yoga mat there I'm inspired to do something while I watch tv.

I do the same thing. No mixer (no counter space), and I hate cleaning up, so there's not a lot of junk food around here. Just kettle corn.
I have to write everything down--I'd be lost without my day planner. I just wrote "trainer time" with a note about what sort of workout I'd be doing three days a week.

[DebSP]

Okay half the pound cake is in the freezer (with the After Eights that my husband gave me for Christmas!). A planner is good. I used to use one back a few years ago when I started at the gym. I just got so in the routine of going right after work that I didn't need it the past year or so. It will make me feel accountable to myself if I write I down. I am just so worried that I will slowly gain back the weight I lost 3 years ago. I have felt so good the last two years that I don't want to go back to they way I was. Part of the problem is I love to cook and especially to bake! But I somehow fell into this slump with my activity levels and found it easy to talk myself into just eating one piece today then watching my eating tomorrow. Somehow tomorrow never came!
Thanks so much for the support ladies! I will let you know on Tuesday if I followed through!

[Veronica]

I also love to cook. When I started with my trainer/nutritionist 4 years ago I insisted that I could not possibly give up my homemade chocolate chip cookie that I had every day.

That went by-by after a few months and gradually so did another ten pounds off of me.

I still make lots of treats for others at Christmas and for special events at work. And I've channeled my cooking efforts towards more healthy meals. I made a great chili today - thanks GLC for the recipe book recommendation!

Veronica

[malkin]

I thought this would be a thread about posture: Shoulders back, stand up straight!

[OakLeaf]

For me, it's easier to establish and stick to a routine if I do something every day. Your being glad for your next day off is kind of a red flag to me that that's an issue for you, too.

If you're in a heavy training cycle, and especially as we get older, recovery days are important, but for just starting out you could commit to walking a couple of miles, or whatever, before or after work and at the same time on weekends, or on your lunch break. That's not so much stress on your body that you'd really need days off.

Once I start allowing myself days off, even when I need them, that's when I get in trouble sticking to my "on" days. Like right now ... it's cloudy and windy and I'm supposed to run long and just ugh...

[Brandi]

You need to share your goodies with us then you won't have them all to yourself!
I think all of us go through slumps like you are talking about. Just wake up and find your awesome. Remember how when you were a kid and every day was a day you couldn't wait to get out and play? At least that is how I was. If you can try and remember that energy you felt maybe that will help you get back into it. Maybe start with a yoga video. Something gentle that will ease you back into it.

[DebSP]

Thank you ladies! Because you showed so much care, I felt I should make the effort to do my workout today! Yeah! I love that I can come here and get support from you women. Without judgement and without competition. I am going to try and stay on track, but it is nice to know you are here to boost me when I need it!

[VeganBikeChick]

I am in a slump, too! Ever since I got my cold 2 weeks ago, my running has really suffered. I only started in September, so I'm a new runner, but I did get up to a 10k distance at one point, and today I couldn't even run a full 2 miles . I do have some residual cold effects, but for the most part it's gone. What's really lagging is energy - I just don't have the stamina to keep up the running past the 2 mile mark. It's really frustrating. I'm hoping my energy level returns to normal soon.

Good for you for getting out of your slump! That's great!

[limewave]

When I get off track, sometimes I find it best to start very simple. If the whole day goes by, I can squeeze in a Plank-Off (DH and I hold plank until the first person collapses).

I am with V on the making a schedule for the week. And then LOOK at the schedule! I have one made up and I've been avoiding it (wooops). That really helps to keep me on track. Usually I feel really bad about missing a workout, but when I look at the calendar, I'll realize it was really just one or two days--no biggie.

The other thing that really motivates me is getting on the scale every day. For some people, that is not the right thing. But it does help me to stay on track.

[Veronica]

I get on the scale every day too.

I am having one of those days when I am just SO tired. I just want to go to bed NOW at 4:37. While actually I've wanted to since I got home at 3:15. I was tired at my trainer session this morning and tired all day with my class - a little more grumpy than normal. Plus my really ADD kid didn't take his meds today. OY! I opted to not run this afternoon.

Thom is trying a new adjustment to schedule though - riding the trainer after work on Tuesdays. Today is the first day and I want to be encouraging, which means not being asleep.

Veronica