Do you make exercise excuses for yourself, all the while thinking you’re doing yourself a favor?
I used to – especially when it came to exercise – but I don’t anymore.
I work with women who have big goals for themselves:
Work out for an hour, everyday, 7 days week.
It sounds so good, doesn’t it?
Yet, when the time comes to actually do it, something always comes up, whether it be rain, or snow, or “you’re too tired.”
You know what I mean?
A So-Darn-Easy Exercise Plan
What if you made your plan so darn easy that you could actually follow it through?
I encourage my clients to start out small. I call it The Minimums.
Maybe they would like to do an hour of walking, but they must do at least 10 minutes. When I ask them how 10 sounds, they say “easy” – ridiculously easy! When it’s ridiculously easy, that’s where we start. And you can too!!
Here’s the magic of this theory:
If it “sounds” easy, YOU will do it. Not if it sounds like a good idea. If it sounds easy.
Here’s what happened to me a couple of days ago:
I went out to the river road for a big walk. It started raining. I told myself I didn’t have to do it because it was raining. But I know that’s no excuse – what’s a little rain? So I decided to go to a little shop in town and buy a rain poncho. They didn’t sell any. “Now,” I thought, “I really don’t have to go. Plus, it’s really cold outside.” Then the sales woman offered me a 55b garbage bag to use for free.
I had really thought that I was home free – no exercise, no good feelings from that rush of energy you only get from moving. But a garbage bag? Well, I could just do my 10 minute minimum, and then, if I hated it, I could stop. Because that’s how Minimums work.
To make a long story short, I wore my garbage bag, used an umbrella, and had the BEST walk in the rain ever!! I even went longer than usual – over an hour.
I really thought I was going to be miserable. I had myself convinced, but because I have this beautiful Minimums pact with myself, I gave myself the best time ever. I actually felt like a little kid again.
If you’re just starting out on a new path of honoring your body, and you want it to include the joy of movement (why don’t you call it play instead), try starting with a very low Minimum. Honor it every single time. Become a woman who honors her commitments! My prediction is that you’ll do more, and feel better.
Trust me on this one!
Ready to include exercise into your life? Sign up for a free mini session with me – let’s get those Minimums going. Let me help you wrap your mind around that!!
