Thoughts on Exercise

I had plans this week to wake up at 5am and get a workout in. I think that personally, getting a bit of exercise in first thing in the morning will work best for me. Starting my day with movement and getting that burst of energy at the start I think will kickstart my routine in the best way.

I've had alarms set now for Monday and Tuesday, and I think it's doable. I'm not dead tired, mostly reluctant to leave my comfortable warm bed. This morning, I even sat up for a few moments. I think if I had actually got out of bed and moved around a bit, I would have been fine. Maybe tomorrow I'll actually do it.

I was feeling guilty yesterday for not doing what I had initially set out to do, thinking I had already failed myself,  but then I had a thought-

"Exercise is not a punishment. It should be enjoyed."

So simple and yet, it really clicked with me. I am attempting to reset my whole routine, my way of thinking and living. I have been a morning person for a while but never a "5 AM" person. I've never been a morning exercise person. I've rarely been an exercise person at all. I can hardly expect myself to wake up one Monday bright and early and hop to my feet and just do it. 

So I thought, "Okay, tomorrow I'm just going to wake up and look at my phone or something for 15 minutes to wake up enough to get out of bed." No pressure to get up and work out, just wake up slow. So I kind of did that. Ultimately I did fall back asleep for an hour or so, but I think I was right on the verge, and honestly it felt so much nicer to contemplate this gentle start rather than throwing myself into my workout clothes and immediately starting a program. 

Exercise is not a punishment. It should be savored and enjoyed. It should be met with gratitude that I am able to move my body. 

I do not want to hate my morning routine, or my workouts, or my diet because where is the sustainability of a whole life in that? Where is the joy?

I genuinely feel like an early morning routine will ultimately give me more energy and bring me more satisfaction, but I am not going to force myself to get up and workout on any day that feels like punishment or discipline. Does working for a better life take hard work and dedication? Absolutely, but I intend to have a good relationship with my mind and body above all, and that starts with listening to her needs. 

Here are some things I love about myself today:

1. I loved the way I looked in my cheetah print dress on Monday!

2. I loved the color of lipstick I found at Target- it looked great on me!

3. I love when I get my nails done, press-ons or a full set. It makes me feel very feminine.

4. I am proud of myself for tracking what I've been eating for almost 2 weeks!