I fought myself so hard this morning. From 5:30am-6:10am I was trying to convince myself to get up and go to the gym. I intended on running a few miles before my New Rules of Lifting workout. I eventually rolled out of bed and made my way (very zombie like) to the gym… I did a quarter mile walk for a warm up and headed over to the squat rack to start workout 6A of Stage 1. I did 3 sets of 10 reps at 70lbs, a PR for me!
I will admit I’m getting really anxious for this stage of NROLFW to be over. The workouts seem kind of lackluster, unless I hit an awesome PR. I am feeling stronger. Last week I was able to do the dumbbell shoulder press with 20 lb dumbbells, I felt like a beast (especially when the big guy next to me was using the same weight!) While it is hard to get up early in the morning to workout I really do feel better once I do it.
I’m going to be honest, I’ve been struggling a little bit mentally when it comes to staying on track. I haven’t been seeing the physical progress I want to see. The scale hasn’t moved lately, and when it has it seems to be going up. I know muscle weighs more than fat and such, but I don’t see physical changes either. It is hard to stay motivated when you don’t feel like you’re making progress. When I have moods like this I always stop and analyze my efforts… While I have been working out a lot, I haven’t been paying as close attention to what I eat. I’ve been trying really hard to stay gluten free because I really notice a difference in my digestion when I eat it. It’s just not worth it to me to eat it for the way my stomach reacts to it. I have, however, been trying different gluten free “snacks” that still end up adding up in calories.
When I have these kind of mental struggles I try to remember how far I’ve come. In the last year I trained for a Marathon and Half-Marathon, have consistently made smarter eating decisions, started a strength training program and am probably the healthiest I’ve ever been. I have come so far and I’m proud of that.
Here is one example of celebrating a small victory…
I bought this shirt right before I found out I was pregnant. It was on clearance at old navy and while it didn’t exactly fit me at the time I bought it I had plans to lose weight and eventually fit into it. And I did it! Celebrate the victories!
What are some ways you deal with mental speed bumps? How do you celebrate the victories?
imperfectly courtney 
Girl! I totally feel you. It’s hard to stay so focused all the time. Maybe it’s time to shake up your workout routine a bit? I was in struggle city last month, the scale not moving and I was doing everything possible. I changed some stuff in my workouts and buckled down to counting calories like it was my day job. I also have been watching seasons of the Biggest Loser – it helps keep me motivated.
But honestly, if you are eating healthy and working out, you are doing so awesome! You’ve come such a long way and should be so proud of yourself. I’m proud of you! Keep up the great work!
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Thanks Girl! I need to buckle down on calorie counting… I just hate it because it turns me into OCD Courtney and sometimes shes not nice. I’m gonna keep chugging along and hope to see more results!!
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Yay for the small victories! My motivation in the mornings is so terrible. My days are so long and it’s so hard for me to sacrifice sleep for working out! I think trying a new activity would really mix things up and make you excited for your workout!
You’re doing great, though, girl! 🙂
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I second the yay for small victories!
A little late to the game but wanted to stop in and say hi! From SITs Spring Fling.
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Woohoo for small victories! When I’m not mentally into working out, I change things up – do a different activity, change the time of day, meet up with friends, whatever. Hang in there! Getting stronger is a victory in and of itself!
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