Small Spaces vs Going to the Gym

I used to complain that I only had a little space to workout. Then, when it came time to get in my car to put in a session at the gym, I would back out for feeling fat, old, depressed, and manic. I try not to visit the gym when I’m not feeling well because I’m afraid I’ll have an episode in public and end up some kind of internet meme.

To help me work out instead of making excuses, I have mentally shifted to a kind of minimalist mindset. Because going to the gym felt so huge and looming of a task, it is a much smaller task to pull out a mat and some weights and do the workouts right then and there.

Compound Efforts

Instead of only doing isolation exercises, for right now, I’m focusing on compound movements and lifts. Today, I did 3 sets of 12 butt to ankle squats while lifting a 20 lb weighted ball above my head and lowering it back down to go into the squat. This helped me burn more fat.

I also didn’t rest between individual sets. I did rest for 30 seconds to 1 minute in between rounds of sets. My goals for now are working my upper body hard while burning some fat (deep squats).

Tell Yourself It’s Just for a Little While

Today, I did a 30 minute workout, but I wasn’t feeling very good. I’ve been a little depressed lately, but I’m trying to push it away as I don’t want to feel depressed.

Exercise can be good for the brain when one is depressed, but motivation can be hard to find. That’s why I told myself I’d pull out my mat and do a few minutes.

What felt tolerable was a 15 minute workout, but by the time I got to the 15 minute mark, I was feeling like I could do another 15. So, I kept going until I was tired.

Concluding Thoughts

I was feeling depressed and fat. I regained 6 pounds this month because I wanted to eat candy and cookies and not drink protein shakes. Then, I shamed myself for regaining the weight and feeling fat today.

I wanted to give up on today’s goals and lay around and feel like I shouldn’t be seen in public for being fatter, but I realised that is just irrational and counterproductive.

Pulling out my mat and a few weights to do exercises that will help build strength in my upper body and back ended up helping me to feel better. About myself, and about my weight loss and fitness journey.

Instead of hiding from the world because I’m fatter, I’m going to shower and attend mass this evening. Even if I feel like I’d rather stay home and hide, I’m going to go and work on myself.

Overcoming excuses not to work out can feel like an argument in your head. Look for the easiest way to meet a goal and try that when you are feeling low.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a good workout that makes you feel better.