"Are you insane? What time? What on earth made you do that? You're on your own with that one"....
are just a few of the comments I have received this last week. May I point out that no, I have not suggested I attempt to climb Mount Everest wearing nothing but a bikini and flip flops, nor have I proposed I travel from John O Groates to Lands End doing star jumps and cartwheels. No dear gentle reader, I have suggested a little challenge that requires 30 minutes of exercise each weekday morning for one week at 7am.
5 days and a total of 2.5 hours.
I am the Queen of excuses and believe me, I can talk myself into and out of all sorts of things but it also means I can spot an excuse from 20 paces and will try my best to derail it before it gathers too much speed.
While I would never level your feedback/comments as "excuses"..... I thought I would play out a few of the more familiar "reasons" and perhaps suggest a few counter offers and, well if the cap fits, then you can wear it and possibly either reconsider or feel more emboldened/inspired/motivated to join us.
Time - (yawn).... Of course you have time. We all do. If you honestly, honestly don't have time, I challenge you to a different option for 5 days. Every time you use your screen for anything other than work or research related topics (in other words, mindless scrolling), or stare at pointless tv because you can't be bothered to change the channel, or stare into space because you can't be bothered to complete the task in hand..... or any other pointless things that we all do, write it down and how long you spent. Add up all that time at the end of the week - it is really sobering, believe me. That is time that you could/still can use to invest in your health and well-being.
I have to get the family ready for the day -
If your children are toddler sized and will eat the toilet cleaner if you turn your back, then I totally hear you. Otherwise - really? How about you bring the kids into the challenge? The night before, put the breakfast things out, get your mat and screen wherever you are going to use them and get ready whatever you are going to wear. Explain to everyone how important this is to you for just one week. I am sure for 5 days they can butter their own toast and pop their plates in the sink, if you let them feel involved in something that matters to you or even join you for a bit of it!
I feel self conscious - will everyone be watching me on screen? -
Highly unlikely unless you are taking the class!! That's my problem. I mean, to be honest you can show up in your pyjamas with mad hair (and you do and I love that you do!).
I have to at least be reasonably presentable... Joking aside though, while you are welcome to join in "gallery" mode for the pre class chats, once the class starts, I advise you to put your screen to "speaker", I mute the whole class anyway and as we are recording the 5 days, I will "pin" me which means that you can only see me.
N.b. - I can still see you though just incase you thought once the class has started you can slink off!
I don't do mornings. -
Fair enough. I hear you. My challenge is that you try for 5 days. May I just toss a few pointers in your direction though?
Are you a poor sleeper? Are you trying to lose weight? Do you have poor concentration? Mindless snacking happens in the evening, not the morning. Get up earlier, go to bed earlier and you will very, very probably reduce your calorie intake. Going to bed late can play havoc with our circadian rhythms (look it up, don't have time to discuss atm) and there are any number of studies to show that lying in once we are awake can have a negative impact on our mood and energy levels. I can talk for England on this topic but the fact is that if you get up with your alarm, you have already achieved, are being productive and being busy occupies our mind and stops negativity. A short workout will massively improve our mind and energy levels and set us up of the day.
What we
do has a
FAR bigger impact on how we
feel than how we feel impacts what we
do.
In other words, (and to quote the mighty Arnie Schwawarghvxvxghgtht) "don't overthink it. Prepare the night before and get out of bed, get dressed and start your exercise before you have time to talk yourself out of it." (Please read that last sentence in a strong, fierce American/Austrian accent).
What if I am not fit enough or can't keep up? -
Well lying in bed won't make you fitter, will it!! Seriously though, I will always offer layers, adaptations, options and anyway what is the worst that can happen? You skip a few repetitions. That is fine - you are still turning up, getting involved, trying your best and in 30 mins, you have done a lot more than you may otherwise have done and that is so satisfying and such an empowering way to start the day.
p.s. - it is a 30 mins mixed ability mat class. We are not taking part in SAS Who Dares Wins, (which, incidentally is not the same as DIY SOS which I muddled it up with recently although to be fair that is also a marathon of sorts but with hard hats and paintbrushes).
I don't do online -
I totally respect that and it is not for everyone but the idea of next week is ease, convenience and a personal push out of the comfort zone. You are not signing your life away. Who knows - you may end up like all my many, many other "I don't do online'ers" who are still with me years later.
My wifi is rubbish- hmmm. Bad luck. Can't help you there. Move house?
When that alarm goes off, you may very well wish you had never agreed (as will I.... ) but I
ABSOLUTELY GUARANTEE you, at 7.30am, you will be so pleased with yourself and that sense of achievement is absolutely priceless.
Why not tag on a couple of other options for the week? Try and start every day with a pint of warm water and lemon, ditch the alcohol and/or caffeine for the 5 days? try to eat more fresh veg and step away from sugar? Just a suggestion,... it is only 5 days after all!!
Have you heard the term "drains and radiators"? You may have that friend who, despite how much you may care about them, is a drain. You always come away from spending time with them feeling tired, low, emotionally wrung out and defeated. Then there are the radiators. Friends who warm and nourish you, inspire and motivate you, make you laugh and feel better whenever you are with them.
Exercise is our radiator. Whatever form it takes, it will make us have more energy, feel more positive, lift our mood and help us feel better about ourselves.
Poor diet, alcohol, processed food, lack of exercise - these are all drains that leave us feeling sluggish, low, reduce our self confidence and motivation....
If we are really down about something, or have a huge problem that is causing us angst, then pushing ourselves physically will almost always give our mind a rest from it. We cannot push ourselves running, cycling, lifting weights, burning those abs and still be dwelling on that problem - our brain just can't do it. It has to focus on the physical challenge and then, once we have finished our workout, even if the problem is still there, we have at least had a rest from it and can come back to it with a fresh mind, having had some time out from that nagging.
It is the same principle as ice baths and cold water swimming, where the water is so cold, the brain has to focus on body temperature and managing breath and has to park up all the white noise and monkey chatter, which is why this activity is also recognised for dramatically helping lift our mood and improve mental health but it requires towels, ice and is a bit more faffy than what I propose for next week.
I will freely admit to anyone who is interested that the main reason I exercise is for my mental health. If I have to stop exercising, my mood can start to slide very quickly so as always, I talk from my heart on this one.
Random mention
Do you know why we find bird song so relaxing? There is research around the fact that this is an evolutionary mechanism whereby we feel safe when birds are singing as they will only sing when there is no threat or danger, and when the bird song stops, we will immediately sense the silence and prepare for fight or flight.
Might I suggest your earlier than usual alarm next week is a gentle bird song rather than a shrill bell or honking horn that is far too aggressive a wake up!
