Over the years, I have realized that doing too much, can be almost as bad as doing nothing at all. Everyone seems to join a gym right after the winter holidays, working out like crazy, only to disappear within the month. As I walk through the locker room, I'm a little baffled by how many times I hear the phrase: I was so sore I couldn't move! To me, it's not necessary, nor is it healthy to feel this way.....and it would definitely hurt my motivation if this was how I felt the day after a workout.
Here's the thing: If you want to be able to make a real, solid, lasting change in life...say, adding working out on a permanent basis....be reasonable. I workout 4 times a week, but usually for between forty five minutes to an hour maximum. Some days when I'm really pressed for time I get a quick, total body workout in within twenty minutes. I look at my long term goals and commitment instead of beating myself up for cutting a workout short. Getting in shape involves losing one layer, and slowly adding in another.....having patience, and realizing that it takes time, commitment and diligence is the most important thing.
When clients tell me they don't have the time to work out, I remind them that to start, they just need to get their foot in the door and begin a program. Even if it's 20 minutes three times a week....that"s a great start! Something IS better than nothing......consistency. As my mother always said: Slow and steady wins the race.
