Acting As If
Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness. -Earl of Derby
I really hate exercise. There, I said it. I hate dressing for it, fixing my hair for it, planning time in my day for it, driving to it (the gym), and even walking up to the elliptical machine. About the only part I like about the whole process is getting into my car and driving out of the gym parking lot.
But I have been hearing a lot lately about the idea of “mind, body and spirit,” and I know, in my heart, that I am sadly lacking in the body part of it. But man, just writing this post makes me sigh. Yet another stupid mind shift I need to figure out.
So I’ve been thinking about how I can apply recovery to the whole physical fitness gig. And the first thing that came to mind is the title of this post. Act as if you are into physical fitness. Another expression is “fake it ’til you make it.” So, in that regard, I got up this morning, and even though I looked longingly at my jeans and sweater, I instead dressed in gym attire. And I told my son to ask me if I went to the gym when he gets home from school. And I acknowledged to my husband that I have about an hour free in my schedule that I could fill with a trip to the gym. And I’m writing to all of you now.
Accountability. I really hope tomorrow I write with a happy update…
Today’s Miracle:
Believe it or not, sharing this inner turmoil is a miracle. I cannot stand talking about the gym before I actually do it, so hopefully this is the mental rearrangement I need!
Posted on January 8, 2013, in Self-Care and tagged Addiction, Elliptical trainer, Fitness, Gym, Health, Physical exercise, Physical fitness, Recovery, Shopping, Sports. Bookmark the permalink. 9 Comments.
themiracleisaroundthecorner 
Fake it til you make it works with exercise. I’ve been exercising regularly for several years now and some days I don’t look forward to starting. But when I get about a quarter of the way done, I always feel better. By the end, I’m buzzing with relief and that release of endorphins or whatever it is. It makes me want to keep doing it.
Consider buying an elliptical for your home. The simpler ones are not all that expensive and I love having the option of waking up and going downstairs first thing to get my workout of the day crossed off the list. I also mix it up and walked for a long time and eventually started running.
Congratulations and I hope you keep at it because exercise can absolutely make us feel more contented and balanced.
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You are not alone Joanne! I am right there with you, with the struggles on physical fitness and the gym.
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At 3 years sober I committed to a mini-triathlon. I remember crying at night putting on my running shoes. Accept no excuses! You can do it.
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Thanks, Lisa, I am so happy to hear from you!
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I practiced surrender in the beginning, but it’s kind of the same thing. Just do it no matter what. I’d be tying up my shoes and hating life, but going with it because this alcoholic mind usually doesn’t know what is good for it. Also, maybe you haven’t found the right kind of exercise? I can’t do the treadmill, elliptical thing because my mind will just put “fuck this” on repeat. Lots of varied exercises and group environment worked for me. Good luck!
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Oh man, do you speak the truth! I figure if I keep talking about it, I will have to keep at it! And you are so right about just putting on the damn shoes, I almost didn’t go today, but I looked at my outfit and sneakers and thought, “no way are you going home without using this outfit! Thanks for the feedback!
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And just look how far you’ve come today.
🙂
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OOOHHHH! Thanks, Christy, that was a lift! I really appreciate the reminder of this post!
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Haha, I was just “blog stalking” and when I saw this (and the other that I “liked”) I thought you’d get a kick out of how far you’ve come. And you’re not even faking it anymore! 🙂
Chat soon via email, xoxo
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