Venting And Reflecting On Another Set-Back…
So, my work-out partner quit on me 01/28/09. I was ridin the wave and totally wiped out after she quit. I haven’t been back to the gym since. Basically 5 weeks. I’m pissed at myself, and sad that I haven’t kept up my training. Just by observing my work-out patterns over the years, (as a working adult vs. my college years), it seems I have to have a partner to make it to my workouts. Once I’m there…no problem, although sometimes my energy is shot. If I just go at it by my lonesome, I don’t make my workouts. Why? I’m freakin so mentally exhausted by the end of the work-day, I don’t have the metal strength to pull through. When I have a work-out partner, I have an obligation to meet that person, so it holds me accountable regardless of how I feel that day to show up and make it.
You’re thinkin…OH, COME ON! Seriously, it’s like fighting with myself everyday, if I don’t have a partner. If I don’t have a partner, I have an option to make the wrong decision, and lately I have been. After work, I feel all I can do is shut down. I feel the same way with a partner. But like I said, I don’t have an option in that circumstance. At these times I fail to make the better decision to get my tail up instead of going to sleep at 6:30 P.M. and not waking up until the next day. Okay, so what about the mornings? I have to sacrifice my social activities in the evening to make this happen during the week, meaning I gotta be in bed by at the latest 9:00 P.M.
So, is it wrong having someone else hold me accountable? Is having a security blanket, a cop-out, a crutch? I don’t think so, because it’s worked for me. However, the counter-argument is: what happens when you don’t have that support (i.e. the situation I’m in now)?
Ultimately, all you’ve got is yourself to make decisions and succeed or fail in life. Most times, honestly, I know that I am not enough (as pitiful as that sounds, I know myself though), so I look for outside sources of support. I’m one of those people who feeds on the energy of others. My philosophy has always been…do whatever you can to commit and stay consistent with your workouts, as long as that "whatever" doesn’t compromise healthy living. I know what time it is.
I’ve totally fallen off the mark. *sadface* I’m prepared to get focused again, and do what needs to happen. I just get tired of allowing myself to get to a point where I get disappointed and lose my gains in the process, in order to change my negative slumps. I just want to stay on top of things and not let them downspiral…
March 4, 2009 at 11:18 am
sorry about setback. one thing i have learned in my many years of wisdom is you cant rely on anyone but yourself. you just need to retrain your mind to hit the gym hard and do it because you want it not becasue you need to meet your partner at the gym
good luck you can do it
March 4, 2009 at 11:27 am
Reconsider morning w/o’s. I’ve been doing them for over 5 yrs, primarily to avoid sacrificing family time w/ wife & kids. But I also avoid trying to fit w/o’s in against other evening conflicts, working late, being tired, etc.
I RARELY get to bed by 9pm, but if you feel you have to, consider what’s more important to you…….active social life every night during the week OR consistent workouts for your fitness goals.
And, I like the flexibility of not relying on a partner. I can hit the gym when it fits my schedule, do the workout I plan (or change it if I feel like it), and workout for the time I have available. GOOD LUCK!
March 4, 2009 at 11:29 am
I have had so many workout partners it’s crazy. I hate when they quit on my because I’m always the driving force. But you have to keep going on your own. Your goals are what needs to push you into the gym. When I go out at night past midnight I feel bad, thinking I’m going to miss the gym if I stay out longer. I hate that feeling. It’s always social life or your own healthy life.. which one will you choose?
March 4, 2009 at 11:44 am
I appreciate the feedback. It helps when others can understand the life you want to lead, while others that surround you, have no clue about the daily battles we fight. That helps in an of itself. People sometimes think I’m anti-social b/c I’m not around to chill every night or weekend, when what I’m really doing is focusing on my priorities. The only person that’s living my life is me. People judge a lot, and it gets tiresome explaining the intracacies and justifications, let alone dealing with your own mental struggles. Thx again.
March 4, 2009 at 2:32 pm
I had similar issues when I worked out in the evenings. So despite the fact I am not a morning person, I switched to mornings last April. I wish I could say it gets easier to get up in the mornings. However, once I got in a routine/habit of doing it, it feels weird/wrong when I don’t. And it is so nice to have it out of the way first thing and then not have to worry about it for the rest of the day. Just my two cents. Best of luck!
March 9, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I’ve been through a similiar situation… I once was able to go workout on my own and do what I needed to do to accomplish my goals.. Then I had a stent where I lacked motivation and just didn’t want to workout. However, recently I got a little motivation back when a good friend wanted to partner up and motivate each other. Oh, that lasted for 1 WEEK…he just stopped coming.. Therefore, I had to say to myself, you don’t need a workout partner for motivation.. So I’ve been at it consistently for 2 months now..Working out 4-5 times a week.. I feel great and the results are showing.. Just keep focus and you will get through this tough stretch..