I have never been able to stick to a workout routine in my life.
In fact, I despise exercise. I don’t like to sweat either,even if it is good for you. And,I don’t like to purposely inflict pain upon myself.
But this summer, I decided I had to do something. I was gaining weight, feeling achy and tired, and let’s face it, I am not getting any younger. It didn’t help that I saw a friend I hadn’t seen in two years (who was already beautiful in the first place) finally shed the 20lbs she had been carrying along with me. Hmph! I liked her better when better when were fat together I was so inspired by her accomplishment and thought if she could do it, so could I.
So I got determined. I took out a stack of books on exercise from the library. I wrote out my goals and asked my husband to keep me accountable.
And by golly it has been 4 months now and for the most part, I exercise faithfully atleast 3 times a week. That is a huge accomplishment for me. And I’ve lost 15 pounds too! And I feel good, and I actually have grown to like exercise and sweating- somewhat.
But I have found something that works for me in keeping with my routine. Hold on, it’s earth shattering. Are you ready?
I sleep in my exercise clothes.
Yep, that’s right. I bought myself some cute and comfy real exercise clothes to help me with my motivation and instead of pj’s I sleep in them. And when I wake up in the morning I am instantly reminded of my commitment to exercise. So I do it. And for some reason, wearing real exercise clothes just makes me feel like exercising. Actually they make me feel like getting lots of things done. So instead of waking up in my warm fluffy jammies that make me want to curl up with my coffee and a good book, I feel like hitting the ground running. Maybe I should wear them all day?
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
I am glad to have come across this one as I needed some inspiration! I have a tougher row to hoe since I have health issues that work against exercise(loose ligaments that dislocate as well as possible Fibro.
From time to time, I do get on an exercise kick and I almost ALWAYS sleep in my exercise clothes.
As to Carol’s concerns, wearing that something special can be done before putting on the exercise clothes! Besides, ever since having children, I am no longer comfortable wearing the revealing stuff when we finally retire for the evening!
Thanks, Stephanie,
Love in Christ,
Michelle
Michelle´s last blog: WhyThe Sword and Rose?
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Stephanie Reply:
December 10th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Sorry to hear about your health issues. That makes exercise tough but just do what you can, right!?
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It can be fun, you just need to know how to make it exciting. Some of the best tips I ever got for fighting through an exercise are ones make it an adversity to overcome and fun.
For example, play it like a drinking game. Watch TV and every time character X says word Y, you do 30 situps.
Little tricks!
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Congrats, but I have one honest question, (not meaning to put you on the spot) what does your husband think of you sleeping in your exercise clothes rather than an appealing nightie? Do you think it is good for your marriage?
I say this, because I listen to Dr. Laura, who always says, “be your husband’s girlfriend” and well…sweaty exercise clothes, hmmm..lol
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Stephanie Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Great question Carol! Well they aren’t sweaty yet, and since they are form fitting, he doesn’t mind at all.I made sure I got a couple of cute outfits just for this reason. They aren’t ugly sweatpants and old t-shirt! He also thinks its quite attractive that his wife is taking care of her body.
BTW I totally agree with Dr. Laura. Excellent advice!
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Carol Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Ah, I see, very nice! Great plan then!
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God bless you, Stephanie! I hate to work out as well, but I know I need to be doing something. It’s amazing how your body even lets you know it’s time to shed a few pounds and tone up. I can feel it in my bones, I get headaches, I’m always tired, etc. I’ll try the whole sleeping in the exercise clothes. I hope it works!
Blessings friend!
Kelli
Kelli´s last blog: Tasty Tuesday: PW Cooks and a Giveaway
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Stephanie Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
It’s amazing what a few pounds can do. I feel so much better exercising that I want to continue even without the weight loss!
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That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard in quite a while! Hey, whatever works, right?
Sunny´s last blog: God Loves Losers And I’m Living Proof
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Stephanie Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
What’s so funny about it?
Are you shredding with me on Monday?
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I am going to try this! Maybe it will inspire me to exercise too!
Allyson´s last blog: Painting with Q-tips
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Stephanie Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Let me know if it works for you!
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Good for you on the weight loss! That’s one thing I struggle with…trying to make it a routine.
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Stephanie Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Me too, for years. And I still struggle but seeing results has definitely been motivating.
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Now there is a novel idea! Thanks for knocking me out the bland and into the creative. Blessings.
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Stephanie Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Thanks !
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…I meant a dollar per day.
Julie Bagamary´s last blog: 400th Post Give Away
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Stephanie Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Even better!
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Congrats. I made myself a deal that if I excercised a certain amount of days in a row I earned a dollar toward something I was wanting but wouldn’t ordinarily buy for myself.
Julie Bagamary´s last blog: 400th Post Give Away
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Stephanie Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Ooh that is a nice arrangement!
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Genius! I love it and congrats on the 15 lbs!
becky @ our sweet peas´s last blog: A few of my favorite things….
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Stephanie Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Thank you!
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OMG! That is so inspirirng. I need to take heed and get started.
Valencia´s last blog: Dating your husband
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Stephanie Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
I always say all diets start on Monday
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Congratulations on your weight loss!!! I lost 10 and then got sick. I have picked myself up by my gym shoes and started again!
Susie’s Homemade´s last blog: Tackling Fall Leaves
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Stephanie Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Yay! Good for you! Keep plugging away at it!
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I try to do the 30 Day Shred also and have found if I sleep in exercise clothes it helps me get right to it first thing in the morning too! Congrats on losing the 15 lbs.! All I feel I’ve done is gain muscle but not lost any weight. I guess cutting out on all of my “treats” might help with the weight part.
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Stephanie Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
I am hopping on the 30 day shred bandwagon starting next week. Is it as hard as they say? And you probably aren’t losing because you are gaining muscle!
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Oh, that’s a good idea! My husband always lays out his running clothes, and he feels like that helps. For me, I make a point to “schedule” my time to go running (since hubby will be watching the kids for me), and that tends to be the accountability that I need!
Hannah´s last blog: Hummus
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Stephanie Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
I think accountability of some sort is the key to sticking to any routine! Thanks for your comment!
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nice, have to see if that would work for me.
Ticia´s last blog: My recent sewing projects
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Stephanie Reply:
November 14th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
I hope it does
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