Taking It Easy

On Tuesday I had my wisdom teeth removed. I assumed that I'd be back to my old workout routine within two or three days. Boy was I wrong!

This got me thinking about letting myself go and how easy it would be to fall off the wagon. Since it has been a week since I've worked out, I've noticed a big difference in my body. I haven't gained any weight, but I have noticed that I've lost definition. It makes me wonder how people can let themselves go and not feel guilty. I feel terrible because I haven't been able to do cardio and it isn't even because of lack of motivation! I just can't imagine anyone stopping simply out of laziness.

So how do we stay on track and not fall off the wagon? Well first I would suggest to anyone to keep track of their workouts. I myself keep a journal with every workout session I've done in a span of two or three months in it and it helps me track my progress. It also helps me see which days of the week I am my most active. I have a better chance of success if I know exactly how much effort I am putting in week to week. Another suggestion is to have a buddy. I used to run with a girlfriend of mine who was in amazing shape and she was such good motivation. When I would feel like walking, she'd push me to run a little further. Now that we both are busy with our own routines, we don't get to workout together as much, so now my boyfriend is sort of my buddy. He is in amazing shape and has been for years, so I push myself extra hard when I run with him, just to show him I can keep up. My final suggestion for staying on track would have to be keeping goals. When I first began working out, I was only running a little over a half of a mile and I told myself at the time that in the next month I would be running over a mile, with no breaks. It's been a year now and I can run over three miles with no stops. Had I not kept pushing myself to run a little further, or to do a few more situps, I wouldn't be in the shape I am today.

So because I've been off my game this week, my goal is to be back up on my feet, 100%, by Wednesday. Today, I'll start with a brisk walk and then hopefully be running my normal pace by the middle of the week.