I’d heard that exercising gave you energy and even helped put you in a good mood .  Now, let me be the first to tell you, I was a skeptic.  I could not in a million years image how something that was so dreadful and loathsome could make you feel good.  Yes, that is how I honestly felt about working out and don’t even get me started on what I thought about the gym!  

So, is it true? Does working out give you energy & put you in a good mood?  Well, duh! I mean, the scientific facts do not lie.  However, I don’t think it really gives the full picture.  You see, just because I popped in a cardio DVD every once in awhile did not put me in a good mood.  As a matter of fact, if I’m going to be really honest about it, it sometimes (read: usually) it put me in a bad mood.  Why? Because it reminded me that I was out of shape, having to use my rescue inhaler 10 minutes into the DVD.  Because I worked out from home and ended up being tripped, stepped on, or interrupted by my kiddos.   Because if I waited until they napped, they would inevitably wake up early or would refuse to nap all together. And,let’s face it, nobody can properly workout with a crying toddler in the next room. 

Ok so are wondering when the motivational part is coming?  Here it is.  I gave up.  Yup, I gave up trying to workout at home and joined a gym.  I joined the Las Vegas Athletic Club out of desperation and it was one of the best decisions I have made!  You see, it turns out that I needed “my time” more than I care to admit!  Although terrified to walk into the big intimidating building, here are a few things that helped me get started.  1) I worked out with a friend or my husband until I got brave enough to go on my own.  2) I tried lots of different classes until I found a few I really liked and Zumba was not it!  3) I put it on my schedule.  In time working out became part of the routine.  It did take a good amount of time, maybe 4 months or more for me to figure all this out, but once it became a habit, a regular part of my day, I started to see results.  Not only in weight loss, but in my energy levels and mood.  I noticed that I was able to wake up earlier and tackle some work before the rest of my family woke up.  I also realized that on the times I couldn’t make it to the gym, I was cranky by the end of the day.  I had less patience and really needed a drink (yikes! Did I just admit that to everyone?!?)

Of course, I’m not saying that everyone needs to go join the gym right now.  I’m just sharing my story and what worked for me personally.  The point is that you can’t give up.  Exercise and a proper diet will give you the results you want.  You just have to be willing to make some adjustments, commit to it, and find something you enjoy.  It will take time to find what works for you, but once you find it, you’ll know.  I’d love to hear what you’re doing to get regular exercise into your routine? Don’t be shy 🙂

xo, 

Jessie