Rocking It

I often consider myself to still be an athlete, but when I stop to think about it, I haven't been on any athletic team or consistently working out {read: pushing myself} since...2009!  That is shocking.  I worked out {a few times a week for 30-45 minutes} throughout college fairly consistently since there was a gym on campus but ever since teaching {3 years!}, I'll be lucky if I work out once a week.  The one thing that has been my saving grace in the health department is my diet.  I don't have trouble eating healthy and indulging every once in a while.  Whoever said depriving yourself of cravings was a good idea is crazy!

Of course, just like anything else in life, moderation is key.  That's why when starting a work out or diet plan, most fail because they seem to consume your life--zapping the fun out of it and giving you zero leeway to make mistakes.      

  
Redefining your definition of failure and success is also important.  If you start with an intense diet plan and workout regime where you are eating 5 specific meals, one of which is a protein smoothie concoction and not allowing yourself any sweets, with two a day workouts, you are bound to slip up sooner or later.  Instead of feeling like you failed when this diet eventually gives way to reality, take a few healthy tips away from it.  Maybe you loved the one protein meal replacement shake that helps you build muscle.  Maybe this helped you kick your sugar cravings and allows you to only indulge once a week or on special occasions instead of being a slave to your cravings.  Maybe the two a day workouts for a while helped you realize that you like getting up early to work out or that you're best time to work out is in the evenings.  Those are the successes to look for, not the failure of ending a diet plan {when let's face it, some diets are NOT good for you}.

After a rock climbing date this weekend, my husband and I realized just how out of shape we were.  Even just about 6 months ago we were able to rock climb for an hour.  We were beat after the first few times up the wall!  We stuck it out and stayed for roughly an hour, but, we took more water breaks than we used to and more time resting on the mats.

More so than get discouraged, this was the motivation I needed.  The next day, after work, I went to a yoga class.  While yoga classes are relaxing, holding poses and strengthening your core is challenging.  Classes have always challenged me, but I've been able to finish them without a problem.  This was the first class where I was fatigued after the first 15 minutes or so!  That, to me, means I'm seriously out of shape!  Again, I was discouraged for a few minutes and decided to take this to further fuel my motivation.  Throughout these few workouts this week, I realized that staying active is key.  Taking a walk during lunch time for 5 minutes, grabbing a snack after work and working out for 30 minutes instead of watching Netflix, skipping dessert one more night a week than you're used to will all help in making healthier life choices instead of quick diet fixes.

Bottom line: start small and keep going! :)