“Why don’t you just take the day off”
Is it just me or is it seriously annoying when non-fit family members & friends try to talk you out of exercising? They say things like, “You are already in good shape. Why don’t you just take the day off?” or “You always exercise. Why don’t you just come shopping with me instead of going to the gym. One day is not going to kill you.” While it is true that skipping your workout for one day WILL not kill you, that is not really the point. The point is that you had already planned to work out and your consistency in this endeavor is what has gotten you into the “good shape” that they are referring to. Working out is what keeps you healthy, energetic, and strong. Although these people may not be intentionally pulling you away from your fit lifestyle, the fact is their words and actions have a high probability of doing just that. In fact, if you aren’t careful, you will start thinking that faithfully adhering to your workout schedule is not only unnecessary, but also selfish. Pretty soon you may start skipping more and more workouts and, before you know it, your “good shape” (along with many other things) will certainly suffer.
Although I’ve never allowed the words of others to go this far, there have been times in the past when I have skipped workouts because a friend has convinced me that I should be doing something else. I know it can be hard to stick up to them and let them know that you won’t skip your workout because it is important and necessary for you. I know that you don’t want to hurt their feelings, appear as if you are obsessed or selfish, or look like a stick-in-the-mud.
For me, I had to decide what was most important now and in the long run. While standing up to a friend may cause them to be mad or upset for a time, their feelings would surely fade over time. Besides, in most cases, I could spend time with them at a later date or time. However, if I allowed myself to feel guilty for the dedication I gave to my training regimen and started to skip workouts, what would happen to my health and my body? After considering this, I knew I had to stick to my guns. I was a strong enough person to get myself in shape, push myself in the gym, and eat right. So I knew that I was strong enough to resist the manipulation, explain the reasoning for my dedication, and stay on the path that would lead to the achievement of my fitness goals.
August 27, 2007 at 10:46 am
The bottom line is that our ability to eat that dry ass chicke breast while others are having pizza and our drive to hit the gym everyday ( sometimes twice a day) only serves as a reminder to our family and friends that they DONT have the dicipline or dedication. I am always being told by friends and family, "eat, relax, have a beer, loosen up have fun". I do not know at what point stuffing your face and being loaded and lazy became the definition of fun. It is sad because most of these people do not want to see us do what we do because it truely makes them feel bad about themselves, because they are not doing it or they do not have the drive. But if you notice the same people that get on you about your lifestyle are usually the same ones asking you questions about what they can do to get in shape. Im sorry but there is no food that tastes so good and there is no activity that is so enjoyable that I would sacrifice being in shape for. Stick to your guns.
August 27, 2007 at 10:49 am
Nope, it’s not just you……they just don’t understand. Here I thought I was the only one experiencing this….thank you. Later…jeff
August 27, 2007 at 10:53 am
I was actually told by a friend once that I was vain because I worked out!! So I guess if I weighed a hundred pounds more I’d be a saint, right? LOL
August 27, 2007 at 11:04 am
FABULOUS POST!!!! Thank you for this! I needed the reminder!!!
August 27, 2007 at 11:05 am
Inkcreep is dead on. besides, do you expect others to give up their daily commitments and change their routines for what you want?
August 27, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Yeah, I get that at home and at work all the time. The worst was when I was doing my pre-contest cutting. I got tired of explaining to them over and over again. *L*
August 27, 2007 at 7:31 pm
I think anyone who strives to be fit has run into this attitude from others. I think the onld saying is true. Misery loves company!
August 27, 2007 at 10:24 pm
InkCreep is right in saying that people who are not completely dedicated to health and fitness (such as myself) do not have the drive and determination to workout as much and eat as healthy as you do. I think many of them maybe trying to pull you away from the gym b/c they are envious of the physique you have created and your level of health and conditioning. As someone of average health and build, I admire people like yourself. Most of the rest of us wish we could have your discipline, but don’t. That’s part of why they maybe asking you to do things in lieu of workout. Just keep in mind that almost everyone wants to look like you (or your Male counterparts on this site). The difference is you put in the effort and we do not. Keep up the good work!
August 28, 2007 at 2:14 pm
I get that at least 2 or 3 times a week and they always say that I am being stupid, and that I need some time off to have a good time, but the truth is my best time is when I am alone with the weight.
October 6, 2007 at 7:52 pm
I think you hit the nail on the head…..it is manipulation in it’s simplest form. Family members or friends that will try such a tactic certainly know that their motives are self involved. They are not consciously trying to sabotage one’s fitness progress, but if we give in to their mindset even once in a while, then it begins a cycle of defeat and small losses that will eventually add up to bigger losses regarding the discipline it takes to maintain a better than average physique.
Great blog topic, and one we are definately exposes to on an almost daily basis.