The struggle is real sometimes and motivation is in short supply.
I’m sure all of you can relate to one extent or another but there seem to be times where it’s just one thing after another that seem to not go our way. After being incredibly sick last week and still not being fully recovered yet, my motivation to workout has been nearly non-existent. That doesn’t mean I haven’t dragged myself out of bed to hit up a few OrangeTheory classes and out for morning runs with Beckett, but my heart just has not been into it the way it normally is. To add to the discouragement, I’ll go off on a tangent and share a quick fertility update…I got my period on Monday night {overshare, I know} which means yet another unsuccessful month of treatments. I’ve now lost count of how many times I have gotten to give myself shots in the stomach and am pretty much use to the nearly-constant feeling of nausea in the two week treatment window. I start another round on Thursday and am praying that the Femara works this time because my body just didn’t respond whatsoever to the Clomid. For the first month, I was super motivated to keep up my workout routine in hopes that it’d help me remained focused and my body as healthy as possible but those feelings go further and further away with each negative test. I’m fully aware that God is in the driver’s seat throughout this but I catch myself much too often trying to take the wheel instead. The guilt I feel every time I have to tell Kyle that I need to go buy tampons is heartbreaking but I know I have to hold it together. Ok. WOW. The hormones throughout this first paragraph are a little much, I apologize! 🙂 Total honesty is what I strive for within the blog and I know that so often my Workout Wednesday posts are upbeat and seem like I’m just this ‘always wanting to workout’ girl…so I wanted to share that even me, who puts fitness extremely high on my priority list, has days–or weeks!–that exercise is the last thing I want to be doing. Below I’m sharing 3 of my fool-proof ways to motivate me to get my sweat on that seem to work wonders for my psyche!
New Fitness Gear
I’m a fashion lover in every sense so of course I want to look at least kind of cute when I’m working out. Adding new fitness pieces to my wardrobe always puts an extra pep in my step and it encourages me to get to a cycling or OTF class so I can show off the newest marble print leggings or backless tank that I just picked up. Superficial? Sure. Should I be saving the $$ for medications and shots? That’s what the HSA account is for, HA! Motivating? Absolutely. Here are a few of my newest fitness pieces:
One / Two / Three / Four / Five
Mixing things up
When motivation is lacking, sometimes it can be blamed on just being in a routine rut. Sure there are usually external or emotional factors involved but sometimes I’m just bored. I always go to OTF 2-3x/week because I pay for a certain amount of classes and I love the variety I get when I’m there. But that only accounts for 1/3 of my monthly routine so I need to constantly be mixing in yoga, cycling, barre, long runs, hiking and other random bursts of activity or the rut begins. Mixing things up is crucial for me and I haven’t been great about that lately. I’ve committed myself to getting back into a local yoga studio once per week to focus on my practice and I’m looking into trying out TITLE Boxing Club here in Omaha. I’ve also signed up for two races in November to get myself back on a consistent running/training schedule.
Accountability
You wouldn’t miss a scheduled business meeting or a happy hour so the same philosophy should hold true to workouts you schedule. I block time off in my planner, on my Outlook calendar and in my iPhone to exercise. It may seem weird but when I see it written down, I just think of it as something that must be done. I also love signing up for workout classes in advance because I know if I don’t go, I’ll pay for them anyway so it’s an extra boost of motivation to set the alarm and go. It works the same way for me when I plan to workout with a friend. If I know someone is waiting for me at the lake for a trail run, I can’t make any excuses.
Thanks Kristin for sharing your fertility update. My husband and I are trying for our first baby and I am having a hard time as well. I hate seeing those negative tests too and HATE when my period starts. I feel you girl, it is very hard. I’m here if you need support!! <3
I love your workout gear and tips for staying motivated. Def needed to read this today.
Xoxo
Great tips and thank you for being so honest about your fertility journey! I know that can be a tough subject to talk about! I am also in the same boat, as my hubby and I are trying as well. It can be super frustrating at times! Just know that you have a great community around you that is here for support anytime you need it! 🙂
xo- Nataly
What an honest post! Thanks for sharing! Hope you feel better soon!!!
I’ve been lacking motivation in the working it dept as well for awhile now.. need to get back into something ASAP and a little new workout gear never fails to help with that! 😉
Xo,
Steph
http://www.sassandsun.com
Aw I’m so sorry babe! I know you probably feel discouraged but you’re right God does have a plan for you! Stay positive! I need to be better about planning my workouts like you! I love all the gear you picked out! Xo
First off- I love the back of that tank! Super cute love. 2nd- still praying for both of you with the fertility treatments; you have so many people putting you in God’s hands and He will deliver His perfect will in His perfect time. Hugs, Kait
http://www.baskinginburgundy.com
Aww Hun! I know it must be so difficult every month when your period comes and your heart is just longing for a little one. My mom always had difficulty getting pregnant and I remember how hard it was going through the years of infertility treatment. There are four of us kiddos now. God is with you every step of the way! Xx
These are all such great tips! You have motivated me to finally get back in shape. Second pure barre class tonight this week!
xo Jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com
Hello my love! I adore you. These are awesome tips my dear! I love the outfits too, I agree with mixing things up and being accountable! I want to encourage you on this journey. You are right where you need to be and I believe that your miracle is coming. I have seen countless people in your very same boat recently receive breakthrough after years of infertility. You are amazing…. this can be so emotionally draining!!! Hang in there. Saying prayers for you love.
Ugh girl just read this and your comment about the period – I am do so dang sorry. Hugs and vibes your way. It WILL happen! I KNOW IT!
Thanks for always being real, honest and amazing. You are truly the BEST.
I love!
xoxo
Krista
http://www.hundredblog.com
Such great tips! I’ve had a serious case of the exercise blues, so this came at the perfect time. Thanks, girly!!
Lauren xo // The Right to Remain Fabulous
I feel ya girl- I go back & forth with major motivation and then none! Having a friend date at the gym is always the best motivation for me- I feel too guilt to ever cancel, and then I feel like a million bucks when the workout is over.
p.s. obsessed with those grays Nikes!
xo
Alexis
http://www.southendstyle.wordpress.com
Whoa – first time here and already so impressed with your honesty and authenticity with your readers. Inspired to workout just because of that, and inspired to read more because of your story!
Coming Up Roses