Reasons Why I Workout, Even When I Don’t Want To
Lessons learned after 200 classes at a Pure Barre Studio
It can be scary jumping into a new workout routine, or getting back into an exercise that you once loved and did all the time. We know the research showing the AH-MAY-ZING benefits of exercise and yet, we still don’t do it. Or at least, that was my experience for a long time. I felt too busy, caring for my kids and working in a hospital.
Climbing the “workout mountain” felt nearly impossible to me after a decade of not doing any formal exercise. During my entire 30s I took walks and chased after my babies. That was it.
Making the decision to try one Barre class was huge. But I was sleeping terribly and felt my muscle mass declining by the minute. I knew that as we age we lose some muscle and I wanted to make sure that I set myself up to age with grace and strength. So I took the plunge and joined the studio.
I’d love to say that I consistently get myself to a class twice a week, but most often I go 1-2 times. I feel the urge to be hard on myself as my brain says, “you should go more often! You know the benefits of working out!” But I now know that being hard on myself never works out in the end. And 200 classes is nothing to sneeze at.
I have to point out to my brain how many gains I’ve seen in my physical and mental health, even going to class just once a week. I took a minute today, after I finished my 200th class, and wrote down the first things that popped into my head when I thought about the Sarah from a couple years ago who didn’t do any exercise, to the Sarah today who takes the time for her brain and body wellness.
Here’s some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way to becoming someone who works-out:
I never really want to go to a class, but I am SO happy afterwards that I went.
Planks are really, really hard. Until one day, it clicked and I was finally strong enough to hold my 90 second plank without wanting to die.
“Embrace the shake.” The Barre teachers often say this, and there’s a reason why. Who knew doing tiny, controlled movements could make you shake so much? Again, after 200 classes I feel so much stronger and know that I can handle the shake.
Don’t listen to my brain when it tells me, “you can go tomorrow.” No, go today. Do the workout. I always feel so much better after class.
I’ve never resented going to a class. I’ve only lamented that I didn’t go to one that I planned on my calendar.
The post-workout glow is for real. Laying on the floor at the end of class, taking those last deep breaths and listening to the music makes me feel so much gratitude for my body. I’m able to walk, jump, squat, lunge and lift heavy things. I don’t take that for granted.
Put the class on my calendar ahead of time! When planning out my week I am most likely to hit 2 classes if I schedule them in advance and stick to it. My brain wants to back out, but don’t let your brain run the show when you are working on becoming the person you want to be: someone who works out consistently.
My friend is the best accountability buddy ever. If I know she’s going to a class I will 100% be there. And she makes the class a lot more fun, too. Get a workout buddy.
Acknowledge gains. I have a tendency to downplay what I’ve accomplished, sometimes in life, not just exercise routines. I know that I am stronger and adding to my muscle reserves. That’s awesome.
Motivation is a fickle creature. I can’t rely on it, and I think most people can’t rely on motivation either. Sometimes we are full of motivation and other times we struggle to get through the day. Put a practice into place that helps you stay consistent, even without motivation. For me, that means scheduling my classes and checking in with my workout buddy.
Last year I wrote a post about achieving the 100-class milestone at Pure Barre. They celebrate you at 100 classes and give you adorable socks. The next big milestone for me to hit is 250 classes, where I hope they give me another pair! It’s good incentive to keep going, along with all the physical and mental gains.
Where are you on your physical health journey? Have you been able to add some movement into your days? What type of exercise is most appealing to you, and when might you do it each week?
Here’s to the next 100 classes!
