I have always struggled going to the gym. The mental battle it takes to physically show up and then actually work out is exhausting. However I have no problem buying sneakers and new outfits that later serve as great costumes to the supermarket. Anyway, if you're anything like me and you've had your own personal struggles with the gym it can often feel like the stages of grief. Or you're someone who loves the gym, and in that case this articles is NOT for you.
Here's what this very real struggle can look like:
1. Denial
Nope. Nope, I don't need the gym. Everyone gains weight before, during and after the holidays. I'll just naturally work it off during my daily doings and be back to my old self in no time.
*Voice of reason*
"You mean that old self that bitches about bikini season and not looking ideal at your friends wedding you had six months to slim down for...? That self?"
NOPE! I'm fine. And those pictures were taken at a bad angle, there was bad lighting and I really do hate the beach anyway. Plus going to the gym can cause stress on my joints and that can't be healthy either. Not to mention my curves are BEAUTIFUL!
2. Anger
What?! Does everyone go to the gym!? I mean I don't need to be a gym rat to be healthy! Even my dad had the audacity to tell me working out would make me feel better and not as tired and stronger and feel better about...ugh whatever! This is ridiculous! I refuse to conform to some Instagram model stereotype society wants me to be. If I don't go to the gym sue me!
*Lovely voice of reason*
"Well maybe you should go to the gym since your pay into one every month and haven't used it in like 7 months; I mean that a lot of wasted money."
It's my money and I'll throw it away if I want to! Plus going to the gym brings out my ugly side.
3. Bargaining
What if I just don't eat? Or, I'll just eat better, one or the other. People lose weight on diets, no, healthy lifestyle choices all the time. Yea, see if I just eat better I won't have to go to the gym. I could do a cleanse and all those weird liquid meals. Then I'll lose a little weight, not crave McDonald's fries as much and avoid the gym. Plus then I could finally use my Magic Bullet for more than just chopping up onions.
*Starting-to-get-on-my-nerves voice of reason*
"But every time you don't eat you end up telling yourself a few days later that you should make up for lost calories and end up in the drive thru ordering a number one."
*Speaker comes on*
"Can I take your order?"
What!? I haven't been eaten much and this will just balance it all out!
*Pain-in-the-ass voice of reason*
"Right..."
4. Depression
Face it, I'm just fat and lazy. That's how I'll always be. I've tried going to the gym and it never works. I do the weights, the painful 30 day challenges and cardio, the weight just doesn't move. But let's be real, I only commit to those workouts for a few weeks then give up. Why can't it be easier?
*Hopeful voice of reason*
"You just have to try harder and..."
Can't you see I'm having a moment and just want to feel bad for myself!? Gggaaahhhhhd! The gym just taunts me and my curvy genetics are working against me. And men, those bastards, the weight practically melts off them when they just think about losing weight! It isn't fair! Aaaahhhhh! *cries into Big Mac*
5. Acceptance
Maybe the gym isn't so bad after all. I did feel better after a good work out and had more energy during the day. I mean if a new gym is opening every other month they have to be doing something right. Right? I know I could find the time to go. I don't have to binge watch an entire season of Parks and Recreation every night. And I just need to start slow, baby steps. I'll go to the gym when I can, workout for 30 minutes until I feel like I've got the hang of it. I shouldn't have any expectations and just feel good when I do go. If I can't, I can't. This is my time and I believe I can really do it! *High fives voice of reason*
The truth is that I do have these inspirational spurts where I go to the gym and am feeling really good. But then I get all obsessed. I want to keep working out every free moment I have. I'm doing lady push ups off the granite counter tops in between commercials. Doing lunges on the way to the bathroom and leg lifts before bed. What's worse is I tell myself I don't need to eat, that I'm not that hungry. Unfortunately then the twisted part of my thinking cackles and cries, "Yes! At this rate I'll be Gossip Girl skinny in no time!" Then the next day I'm starving and exhausted so the fast food drive thru starts looking real good. Like,"I want one of everything," good. So then I spiral down and am back to stage one. Someday I'll get the hang of it.
