Friday, March 9, 2012
Question About Exercise?
Have you ever noticed some days you exercise better than others? Now, I am not talking about the mental side of this. I know I have days where I am totally mentally in the game and the exercise goes great or vice-versa. I am just talking about the physical side of your average day. Let me explain my exercise plan for a typical day and maybe that will help. In the morning, I lift weights and that usually goes about the same most days. Then at night, I will watch something on TV while I am on my elliptical. Usually I get on the elliptical and I get mentally tuned into the show and just go. Lately I have been going anywhere from 4 to 8 miles depending on how I feel and what I'm watching. Now, last night I was in a normal mental state - you know not super motivated, but not dreading it either. I get the TV going, I get on the elliptical and blah, nothing. I just couldn't go. I only went 2 miles. The whole time I felt tired. I can't really describe it. Usually I get sucked into the show and break this "barrier" between 3 and 4 miles. Once I get through the "barrier", I feel like I could go all night. Last night I just couldn't or wouldn't get through. I don't think it was food related. I didn't eat anything bad. I am not getting sick. The show wasn't good and maybe that broke my concentration. You know, just writing this the next morning and reliving it mentally to tell the story, now I really do blame the show. It sounds funny but I just couldn't get sucked into my zone. Maybe there is an advantage to sticking with an ipod and the same exercise music every night? I am curious do you ever have days where you are just off. What kind of "distractions" do you use for your exercise routine? Any ideas and suggestions are always beneficial not only for me, but others that read the comments.
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Thanks for following my blog, Paul!
ReplyDeleteYes I know what you're talking about. I do Curves 3x a week so that's one that's pretty consistent and easy to compare. Sometimes I feel great and like I could go around again... other days I feel it takes everything I have to get through it. Since mine is in the morning, I wonder if sleep quality has to do with it. I also think food plays a part. Maybe start noting those things in your food journal so you can draw conclusions? Maybe higher carb or higher protein gives you more energy. Every BODY is different! :)
Yes, that is the same idea. And it is beyond mood I think. You are right, I need to keep a journal especially when this happens.
DeleteYes I go through slumps too. I totally know what you mean . Sometimes it's just like I hit a wall. The weird thing is that at times I've walked the same hill but it feels steeper for no reason . I don't know if it's mental or what. I can really relate!
ReplyDeleteThat is it exactly, Holly. You know the hill didn't change LOL. Frustrating.
DeleteI get like that in fact I went to the gym last night, I got so bored on the treadmill and tired but I pushed myself through. So instead of getting off the machine just push yourself. You will be glad you did after it's over with. :)
ReplyDeleteI do know what you mean, I feel like a new person when I can push through!!
DeleteHey! Thanks for telling me about your blog! I love finding new things to read (when I find time!).
ReplyDeleteSarah
notaneffingdiet.blogspot.com
Yep, know what you mean. Blogging/reading can take a lot of time. However, I love it. It is one of my guilty pleasures.
DeleteWhat you are describing is 100% what happens to me too. My biggest help? My music! I have certain songs that I save for the end of a run or a workout because they just make me feel good or inspired.
ReplyDeletePlus I remember that I'm already working out, might as well keep going and get the benefits.
Thanks for sharing. It's great to find that other people are right where I am - makes me feel not alone!
Yep, it is kinda cool. We all face a lot of the same challenges on this journey.
DeleteI have had that happen too. My first thought was the food. But it could be anything. Your body saying "I just want to rest" Or it could be a the lame show on TV... I like to blame every negative thing on the tv. :)
ReplyDeleteI listen to books. I only allow myself to listen while I'm exercising. I've discovered for me that mysteries and books with lots of intrigue are the best for me. I really get sucked in to those. I've even been known to go over my time limit to find out what happened in a situation!
ReplyDeleteLori
Hey, Lori, that is an awesome idea I never even thought of!! I can so see me getting sucked into a good plot. Thank you.
DeleteA friend of mine mentioned that we break past a wall during cardio work out... that wall is our body switching from our current food energy to our stored fats. It might not be science... It might not even been true. But I know that wall... It's the first thirty minutes of "mlechhhh I want to turn back" when I'm out on my walk/jogs. Even if it's just a mental thingy/lie i have to tell myself - it works... It usually pushes me through the wall and on to the place where I feel like I'm into what I'm doing.
ReplyDeleteI love that idea! I always say whatever works. I love the feeling when it goes from dread to this isn't so bad. Then after I feel great!
DeleteStorage Wars gets me going on the elliptical. They are short 30 minute shows and for whatever reason, makes the time go by faster than if I was watching a movie.
ReplyDeleteI find that I have a much harder time being on the elliptical or treadmill than if I am actually running outside and seeing the scenery pass by.
OMG that is so funny. My son loves that show too!!! He likes the older guy, I think he is Barry. I like the yyyuuupp! guy. It kills me how they love to drive up the price for the others even on something they don't want to buy. Yeah that is a good one. Thanks so much for the comment.
DeleteMusic makes me power through! Great rhythm and speed! :D
ReplyDeleteI listen to books I download from the library onto my MP3 player. Makes the time go by super fast...especially if it is a good book!
ReplyDeleteYou know Leigh, that is a good idea. I am going to check, I'm sure my library does that too. Excellent!!
DeleteMy distractions change daily. Some days it's music, sometimes it's the tv, I've also been known to have my laptop on the handlbars of the bike, or a book. It all depends on my mood and attitude. But variety!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I should rig my laptop up there. Thanks for a great idea!!
DeleteOh, boy! I have days like that for sure. Mostly for me, it's a mental thing. If I can get myself in the right mindset, I can rock it, but if not, I phone it in and don't put in near enough. Other times, it has to do with diet. If I've been eating not so great, I just can't get in my groove no matter my mindset. This knowledge has really solidified the importance of diet for me.
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley, thanks for the comment. I agree. I swear this weight loss deal is as much mental as it is physical. So much depends on getting your head in the game.
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