What To Do When Your Body Challenges Your Workout Motivation
There is nothing more annoying than having the motivation to workout mentally, but once you finally get going, your body decides to fight you every step of the way. Has that ever happened to you? I mean, you probably felt like you struck gold when you started your workout, because getting started is always the toughest part. But I’m here to tell you that not every workout will be a good one…despite your mental state. I have experienced it countess times,so I wanted to share my experience how I let it lift me up, rather than drag me down and give my adavice for what to do when your body challenges your workout motivation.
Just the other day I wanted to go for a few mile run because it was gorgeous outside and the weather was perfect to do so. Shortly after I got started, I started getting a side cramp. Some days I am able to run through them, but this day in particular I couldn’t. So rather than let it ruin my workout, I accepted it for what it was and made the best of it. How did I make the best of it you might wonder? I would run until I got one and walked until it was almost gone and repeated the cycle. So here is a mental checklist of things to do the next time this happens to you.
Grace & Gratitude
Give yourself grace. Be thankful that you can move your body and know that you have the ability to try again the next day.
Mindfulness
Be mindful of your situation. Maybe there are factors as to why your body wasn’t cooperating with you. Next time this happens, ask yourself the following questions.
- Are you dehydrated? This is often my biggest hang up.
- Are you hungry? Sometimes if your body is hungry, it won’t perform correctly because it doesn’t have the proper nutrients to do so.
- Did you eat too much? Maybe you are trying to work out after eating a big meal. I know for me, that when I’m feeling bloated after a big meal I want to work out to help relieve bloat. But it’s possible your body needs a little more time to digest.
- Are you on your period? Personally, when it’s that time of the month, my workouts are normally garbage quite honestly. At this point, I know that I will likely have a crap workout but I still DO MY BEST and move my body. However, I make sure I LISTEN to my body.
- Does your body need a rest? I think most of us can attest to constantly being on the go. We are always doing something or running the kids somewhere. Maybe you’re constantly picking up the kids’ toys or cleaning your house. No matter what it is, your body giving resistance could be it’s way of letting you know “hey, just slow down and relax”. I know for me, this is extremely hard for me to do but it’s important to listen.
Acceptance
I have found that if I can acknowledge and accept that my workout isn’t going to what I had planned in my head, it’s easier to ward off the frustration.
Something is Better than Nothing
I am a strong advocate the something is better than nothing. Always remember that. Unless you are risking an injury by proceeding with a workout (in that case – by all means, stop), do what you can. In the immediate view, it’s not going to be result changing. But it does still count towards your endurance and “end results”.
Wishing You All the Best
With all that said, at some point in your fitness journey your body will challenge the workout motivation you have metnally. So, the next time your normal 15 pound dumb bells are giving you a struggle, run through this check-list. Are you hydrated? Do you need a rest? Always remember that not every workout will be a good one. Give yourself grace and take it for what it is and come back the next day or day after. Did this help give you new perspective and things to think about? Do you have a different reason your body my show resistance? Please let me know in the comments or send me DM on Instagram (@ahumbledelight). I love hearing from you.
