Reduce Your Workout Resistance

It’s such an amazing time of year. The sunshine is finally warming the air, and everyone is out with their flip flops, sunscreen, and flowers. Since many of us have been cooped up all winter, this can be a great time to re-evaluate our workout routines (or lack thereof) and shake off some of the cobwebs.

New challenges, new approaches, and pushing new fears can really take us to a whole place we never knew existed, right in our own bodies, and right in our own city. You can gain so much by overcoming inertia, switching up your routine, and trying something entirely new. It’s inspiring, and it keeps us young.

I happen to love dancing (like nobody’s watching) and at one point realized that I was sweaty and physically exhausted as I was happily moving to the music. Hey! That’s a workout! I’ve also turned my initial terror of rock climbing into a deep love of the sport, and discovered that it also has this calming, meditative effect.

What’s the most inspiring workout you’ve ever done? What’s the one thing you’ve been meaning to do forever, and keep putting off? I invite you to question why you may have gotten away from your old favorite, or not tried that new one.

This great writing exercise to help you get in touch with your barriers to physical activity was inspired by Blasting Through Blocks from The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.

Choose a personal fitness topic where you feel you have a lot of resistance. This might be something like ‘trying martial arts for the first time’ or ‘joining back up with my long lost running group’ and answer the following questions.

1. List any resentments (anger) you have in connection with your fitness goals. It does not matter how petty, picky, or irrational these resentments may appear to your adult self. Some examples: I resent being slower tha
Sarah. She eats whatever she wants!! I resent that instructor that made me feel stupid (I AM trying as hard as I can)

2. List any and all fears about the topic and/or anyone connected to it. Again, these fears can be as dumb as any two-year-old's. Some examples: I'm afraid nobody will want me on their team. I'm afraid I’ll look dumb. I'm afraid I'll never finish. I'm afraid I'll never start. I'm afraid I will be embarrassed (I'm already embarrassed). The list goes on.

3. Ask yourself if that is all. Have you left out any itsy fear? Have you suppressed any "stupid" anger? Get it on the page.

4. Ask yourself what you would stand to gain by not taking action. Some examples: If I don't run in this race, I can’t come in last. If I don't go to that class, nobody can laugh at me. If I don't throw, catch, play, dance, I can criticize others, knowing I could do better.

By simply listing these fears, grudges, and uncertainties, you’ve started to spin your transformation in a positive direction. Now it’s time to take action. As Frank Scully said, “Why not go out on a limb? Isn’t that where the fruit is?”