One Stressed-Out Shredhead

I can stress about anything, so it should come as no surprise that I’m becoming increasingly stressed over my decision to exercise (almost) daily. I know that runs counter to what all the experts say about exercise, but the experts don’t live in my tortured brain.

First, there is the time issue. Mornings are ideal. But, mornings are ideal for a lot of things: working, planning my day, doing school with the kids, picking up the house, starting the laundry, talking to my mom. Oh, and lately mornings have meant soccer on Tuesday and art class on Wednesday which totally throws off my schedule. I am certainly not the busiest person in the world, so this shouldn’t be so hard to figure out.

If I don’t exercise in the morning, the spirit of Jillian follows me around the rest of the day as we go from one activity to another. “Gargle your heart“, she whispers to me. “You want abs like that?”. I know, I know. . .I’ll fit it in. . .later. Maybe.

When I get in front of the TV and pick a program from On Demand, I’ll fret about my decision: this is too hard! Why do I suck so much?, or I’m not even sweating! This isn’t going to do anything for me!

And then woe is me if I skip a day (or days). . .am I losing all the muscle tone I worked so hard to get? Why do those pants feel tighter? Why do I even bother?!?!

It’s enough to make me want to buy elastic-waist pants and forget about this entirely. But, I can’t. I won’t.

Instead, I add to my angst. As if making a sweaty fool of myself in the comfort of my own home isn’t enough, I’ve gone and added a layer of stress that comes from exposing myself to the public: I’ve joined a gym.

Someone give me a Valium.

Comments

  1. Boston Mamas says

    Oh bugger! You're doing amazing — sticking it out and even having it at top of mind on daily basis.

    If you can, try shifting your perspective such that any day you do something is a bonus and a gift — think back to where you were at before this all started in March (assuming you were like me, and just sitting on your arse in front of a computer all day). That's what makes me happiest – when you go from NOTHING to anything vaguely regular, it's pretty awesome.

    -Christine

  2. Boston Mamas says

    Oh bugger! You're doing amazing — sticking it out and even having it at top of mind on daily basis.

    If you can, try shifting your perspective such that any day you do something is a bonus and a gift — think back to where you were at before this all started in March (assuming you were like me, and just sitting on your arse in front of a computer all day). That's what makes me happiest – when you go from NOTHING to anything vaguely regular, it's pretty awesome.

    -Christine

  3. Boston Mamas says

    Oh bugger! You're doing amazing — sticking it out and even having it at top of mind on daily basis.

    If you can, try shifting your perspective such that any day you do something is a bonus and a gift — think back to where you were at before this all started in March (assuming you were like me, and just sitting on your arse in front of a computer all day). That's what makes me happiest – when you go from NOTHING to anything vaguely regular, it's pretty awesome.

    -Christine

  4. Life As I Know It says

    I hear ya'. I am TRYING to get in the habit of running regularly, but my only times to do it are early morning (6) or evening (dinnertime).
    It's hard to fit it in.

    Hang in there. It is worth it when you can do it!

  5. Life As I Know It says

    I hear ya'. I am TRYING to get in the habit of running regularly, but my only times to do it are early morning (6) or evening (dinnertime).
    It's hard to fit it in.

    Hang in there. It is worth it when you can do it!

  6. Life As I Know It says

    I hear ya'. I am TRYING to get in the habit of running regularly, but my only times to do it are early morning (6) or evening (dinnertime).
    It's hard to fit it in.

    Hang in there. It is worth it when you can do it!

  7. I have not worked out since I was pregnant. With my first born-son. And um, that was almost 4 years ago. Actually, longer. I am going to start doing the Shred DVD soon. I don't know if I will have any success with it but I NEED HELP and FAST! Good luck to you… I'm going to a stress-case too when my DVD arrives! Everyone who is in way better shape than I am in seems to think it's really tough, so I'm scared!

  8. I have not worked out since I was pregnant. With my first born-son. And um, that was almost 4 years ago. Actually, longer. I am going to start doing the Shred DVD soon. I don't know if I will have any success with it but I NEED HELP and FAST! Good luck to you… I'm going to a stress-case too when my DVD arrives! Everyone who is in way better shape than I am in seems to think it's really tough, so I'm scared!

  9. I have not worked out since I was pregnant. With my first born-son. And um, that was almost 4 years ago. Actually, longer. I am going to start doing the Shred DVD soon. I don't know if I will have any success with it but I NEED HELP and FAST! Good luck to you… I'm going to a stress-case too when my DVD arrives! Everyone who is in way better shape than I am in seems to think it's really tough, so I'm scared!

  10. I have to get my workout in early too or it hangs over my head all day. Exercise really shouldn't stress you out so much though! I think you're doing great keeping up with it as much as you have.

  11. I have to get my workout in early too or it hangs over my head all day. Exercise really shouldn't stress you out so much though! I think you're doing great keeping up with it as much as you have.

  12. I have to get my workout in early too or it hangs over my head all day. Exercise really shouldn't stress you out so much though! I think you're doing great keeping up with it as much as you have.

  13. Kristen M. says

    I've barely started exercising again (almost 2 weeks ago) and my best motivation happened today …

    I got the kid settled with his cereal and went into the other room to turn on the tv and he came running in with stuffed cheeks yelling "I want to help you exercise!" How can I disappoint him?!? 😉 I'll try and let him help me every day.

    (BTW, his way of helping is yelling "CHEERS, MOM!" each time I get a new high score on a Wii Fit game.)

  14. Kristen M. says

    I've barely started exercising again (almost 2 weeks ago) and my best motivation happened today …

    I got the kid settled with his cereal and went into the other room to turn on the tv and he came running in with stuffed cheeks yelling "I want to help you exercise!" How can I disappoint him?!? 😉 I'll try and let him help me every day.

    (BTW, his way of helping is yelling "CHEERS, MOM!" each time I get a new high score on a Wii Fit game.)

  15. Kristen M. says

    I've barely started exercising again (almost 2 weeks ago) and my best motivation happened today …

    I got the kid settled with his cereal and went into the other room to turn on the tv and he came running in with stuffed cheeks yelling "I want to help you exercise!" How can I disappoint him?!? 😉 I'll try and let him help me every day.

    (BTW, his way of helping is yelling "CHEERS, MOM!" each time I get a new high score on a Wii Fit game.)

  16. Before I finished reading this I though, you should just join a gym. Why? Because then that gives you the "me" time that you so need to have. Exercise in peace… well in sweat….

    FYI, I joined a gym today too!

  17. Before I finished reading this I though, you should just join a gym. Why? Because then that gives you the "me" time that you so need to have. Exercise in peace… well in sweat….

    FYI, I joined a gym today too!

  18. Before I finished reading this I though, you should just join a gym. Why? Because then that gives you the "me" time that you so need to have. Exercise in peace… well in sweat….

    FYI, I joined a gym today too!

  19. Subspace Beacon says

    I bought a dvd to tone my abs using an exercise ball. I can't do it. Not even a little. Evidently I'm completely lacking ab muscles. It's a wonder I can walk erect.

  20. Subspace Beacon says

    I bought a dvd to tone my abs using an exercise ball. I can't do it. Not even a little. Evidently I'm completely lacking ab muscles. It's a wonder I can walk erect.

  21. Subspace Beacon says

    I bought a dvd to tone my abs using an exercise ball. I can't do it. Not even a little. Evidently I'm completely lacking ab muscles. It's a wonder I can walk erect.

  22. Lindsay Jean says

    Keep at it! I read somewhere that the first couple weeks of exercise should be about establishing a habit and not about looking for results.

  23. Lindsay Jean says

    Keep at it! I read somewhere that the first couple weeks of exercise should be about establishing a habit and not about looking for results.

  24. Lindsay Jean says

    Keep at it! I read somewhere that the first couple weeks of exercise should be about establishing a habit and not about looking for results.

  25. Suburb Sierra says

    I used to dread the gym. Every day it was a battle to get in the car and drive the 1/2 mile, but now if I don't go I don't feel as energetic, excited or happy about starting my day. I still hate exercising – that won't ever change.

    It may seem like torture but your kids, your heart and your hubby with thank you if you keep it up. And realize it's not just to fulfill one goal but to maintain a fantastic lifestyle. You know I'm no buff broad but running up and down stairs is a piece of cake now.

    The guilt/regret you feel when you don't work out is good – means you've seen a difference and you don't want to go back 🙂

  26. Suburb Sierra says

    I used to dread the gym. Every day it was a battle to get in the car and drive the 1/2 mile, but now if I don't go I don't feel as energetic, excited or happy about starting my day. I still hate exercising – that won't ever change.

    It may seem like torture but your kids, your heart and your hubby with thank you if you keep it up. And realize it's not just to fulfill one goal but to maintain a fantastic lifestyle. You know I'm no buff broad but running up and down stairs is a piece of cake now.

    The guilt/regret you feel when you don't work out is good – means you've seen a difference and you don't want to go back 🙂

  27. Suburb Sierra says

    I used to dread the gym. Every day it was a battle to get in the car and drive the 1/2 mile, but now if I don't go I don't feel as energetic, excited or happy about starting my day. I still hate exercising – that won't ever change.

    It may seem like torture but your kids, your heart and your hubby with thank you if you keep it up. And realize it's not just to fulfill one goal but to maintain a fantastic lifestyle. You know I'm no buff broad but running up and down stairs is a piece of cake now.

    The guilt/regret you feel when you don't work out is good – means you've seen a difference and you don't want to go back 🙂

  28. Gray Matter says

    5 or 10 mg.
    (I'm stressed a lot too.)

  29. Gray Matter says

    5 or 10 mg.
    (I'm stressed a lot too.)

  30. Gray Matter says

    5 or 10 mg.
    (I'm stressed a lot too.)

  31. Oh, lordy. I should join a gym, too. Then I may get to shower without playing peekaboo. Not to mention that I've almost flattened the kids doing Tao Bo kicks.

  32. Oh, lordy. I should join a gym, too. Then I may get to shower without playing peekaboo. Not to mention that I've almost flattened the kids doing Tao Bo kicks.

  33. Oh, lordy. I should join a gym, too. Then I may get to shower without playing peekaboo. Not to mention that I've almost flattened the kids doing Tao Bo kicks.

  34. Try this site for some motivation: http://www.stickk.com/

  35. Try this site for some motivation: http://www.stickk.com/

  36. Try this site for some motivation: http://www.stickk.com/

  37. Jen@momalom says

    Go You! Just articulating how hard it is will propel you forward, I know it! You're way ahead of me, by the way. I haven't embraced the shred yet.

  38. Jen@momalom says

    Go You! Just articulating how hard it is will propel you forward, I know it! You're way ahead of me, by the way. I haven't embraced the shred yet.

  39. Jen@momalom says

    Go You! Just articulating how hard it is will propel you forward, I know it! You're way ahead of me, by the way. I haven't embraced the shred yet.

  40. kiwigomes says

    I'd like to 'flag' your blog with objectionable content – words like 'exercise'! These words send intense guilt and severe wishful thinking through my bones …. sometimes I find the guilt wins – and I 'conquer' for a week or two, and then – life happens … doesn't running around after your 3 beauties all day count for exercise!!! And you always look great!!!

  41. kiwigomes says

    I'd like to 'flag' your blog with objectionable content – words like 'exercise'! These words send intense guilt and severe wishful thinking through my bones …. sometimes I find the guilt wins – and I 'conquer' for a week or two, and then – life happens … doesn't running around after your 3 beauties all day count for exercise!!! And you always look great!!!

  42. kiwigomes says

    I'd like to 'flag' your blog with objectionable content – words like 'exercise'! These words send intense guilt and severe wishful thinking through my bones …. sometimes I find the guilt wins – and I 'conquer' for a week or two, and then – life happens … doesn't running around after your 3 beauties all day count for exercise!!! And you always look great!!!

  43. I'm doing the whole Shred thing, too! Already, my stomach looks signifigantly less Santa-esque. Also, I now truly, truly loathe Jillian.

  44. I'm doing the whole Shred thing, too! Already, my stomach looks signifigantly less Santa-esque. Also, I now truly, truly loathe Jillian.

  45. I'm doing the whole Shred thing, too! Already, my stomach looks signifigantly less Santa-esque. Also, I now truly, truly loathe Jillian.

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