This summer has wreaked havoc with my exercise routine. Travel, work conferences, family medical issues, a personal medical issue, house projects, and a dog that suddenly developed a fear of thunder and loud rain have all contributed. It has been hard to stay focused and motivated. I haven’t quit my gym, but I have just had to adjust things. I have still managed to build some muscle and endurance. I am looking forward to this fall when I can get back into a more regular routine. But for now, I am doing the best I can.
1. Admit that things have changed.
I had to realize that getting to the gym and running this summer on a consistent schedule was not happening and wasn’t likely to happen for the near future.
2. Keep Tracking
Even though I couldn’t get to the gym as much I kept tracking my daily steps and started tracking my eating habits. I have had to be more mindful about what I am eating and how long it has been since I have had a meal.
3. Compromise
If I wasn’t going to be as active I had to figure out what was possible. I have done workouts on 3 hours of sleep and used lighter weights this summer. I have also slept in and said “Nope not today”. I have done shorter workouts and spent more time doing yoga. I stopped running for a month.
4. Get Sleep
When routines change, often our sleep patterns change as well. I am getting up earlier in the mornings now which means I need to be in bed earlier. Sometimes that happens and sometimes it doesn’t. It does make it easier to handle everything when I have had a better night’s sleep.
5. Don’t give up on goals
I haven’t adjusted my long term goals yet. I do want to complete a half marathon this fall. I don’t want to use my current routine changes as an excuse to pitch it in and quit. It just might take me a little longer to finish than I expected.