You know you’re SUPPOSED to get a workout in today. But, for various reasons, you just don’t want to go. We’ve all been there. None of us is immune, even trainers. Last week I was having a BAD day. I lost a couple of clients. I found out one of my kids was struggling in a particular class. My toddler was just in one of “those moods”, resisting every step of the way. And I had this rumbling thought pattern of being a failure as a mom, as a business owner, as a trainer, etc. You know. The normal things. The temporary “I suck right now” moments partnered with the underlying important thoughts that reverberate in your brain like a whisper and seem more like a SHOUT on the bad days.
So, I had a decision to make. I considered how I was going to console myself and narrowed it to three options: just stay at the house make myself a batch of nachos and some hot chocolate, have a stiff drink and call it a night OR go to the gym and get a workout in. After much mental banter and a tiny whining session (I think it wasn’t out loud), the workout won.
Why?
Well, I’ve learned a few things along the way and I’m going to share them with you in hopes of helping you on your BAD days.
Just Drive: Action can be powerful even when you don’t feel like doing it. Despite what your mind is telling you, get in your car and drive to the gym. I know that may sound silly, but taking the next action step without doing a mental battle puts you in a successful position.
The Entry: When you’ve had a bad day, emotional thoughts are in charge. You know logically that a workout would be good for you, but the emotional side of you protests this action. The people you see at the gym are going to ask you how you are and you might let it loose or maybe you don’t want to see people at all right now. We all have this feeling; you aren’t alone. If you are in the parking lot and still having the mental battle, get out of your car and walk in. When someone asks you how you are, just say “Fine” and leave it at that. This doesn’t raise the alarm of the person because that’s what they expect you to say, and it doesn’t open the door for you to start ranting on how you had a bad day. Another option is to say, “I’ve had a bad day but I’m here to workout. Excuse me while I go stretch.” This way you’re being honest but you’ve also given yourself an out to end the conversation without being awkward.
Your Trainer: If you know your instructor well or you know your trainer is going to interact with you, be honest with them. Tell them that you’re not in the mood to talk and want to get into the workout. Or take the opportunity to vent to someone who isn’t going to tell your friends or family. I consider myself a big vault. I keep lots of secrets. And frankly, I read body language, so I already know you’re in a bad mood just by the way you walked in, didn’t make eye contact and are aloof. It’s OK. I’m not perfect, you’re not perfect. Don’t let our not so perfect interaction be an obstacle to you getting a workout. I’ll forget it. Just get in and get a workout behind you.
The Equipment: While they are inanimate objects, resist throwing around your weights and barbells. This just draws attention to you and you’ll probably regret it later. BUT, hey if there’s a good slam ball in there- GO for it! Slam that ball on the ground! Pick it up and do the same thing again. If you can keep your emotions in check, moving around some heavy weight is a great way to hone that energy into something productive. It will also drain you, which can be a good thing depending on how BAD a day it is. (Simple strength training program if you need one.)
The Workout: NOW we’ve come to the good part! THIS is where you take that bad day and put it in it’s place. Dial in to what you’re doing in your workout and you’ll get your mind off of what happened today. At our place you don’t have to think about what to do for your workout, we take care of that. But, if you are on your own and not sure what workout to do- use one of ours. The key here is to workout until you’ve exhausted your emotional energy.
Don’t worry- the workout won’t know you’re in a bad mood and you will feel so much better afterward. Maybe good enough to chuckle at the end of it with your gym pals.
Priscilla Jones is a mother of four and co-owner with her husband of Blue Wave Fit: Home to CrossFit 1088 a family-friendly CrossFit training and personal training facility in Ocala, FL. You can reach her at priscilla@bluewavefitocala.com.
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