This weekend I decided I would do whatever it takes to get myself back into going to the gym, training for races and working out on a regular basis. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not being lazy. I walk a lot. I take the stairs everywhere I go and on my best days I go for a walk in the morning before I start work and I go for a walk for thirty minutes in the afternoon during my lunch time. I love walking and being outside, even when it is cold.

But what I have not loved lately, is going to the gym after work. Or running after work. Or doing anything that doesn’t involve going home after work and curling up with a good book and a steaming hot mug of tea. I don’t know what’s wrong with me – but last week I started trying to break this habit. In all fairness, the week before was my first full week back at work – back to waking up at 5:15 AM and getting back on track with everything in the office. Last week I made it to the gym twice – which is better that zero times.

On Saturday I went shopping. I went to Lululemon, one of my favorite shops. I bought things to go to the gym in. I also went to The Gap where I bought comfortable and cute workout clothes. I thought this might help in getting myself to the gym.

I have to say, so far it has worked. Saturday, Sunday and Monday I have worked out. I’ve done weights, I’ve been running on the treadmill, I have re-friended the elliptical machine. I’m looking in to Spin classes and I am really excited to try a Pure Barre class soon. I can’t wait to add classes into my workout routine – I think that will help get me back into the ritual of exercise.

The one day I do not tend to go to the gym is Monday. I don’t know what it is about Monday – but I tend to shy away from the gym on Mondays, especially if I have had an active weekend. Today my legs and arms hurt from Sunday’s workout of weights and cardio. But because i had clothes that I actually wanted to wear, I dragged myself to the gym and did the elliptical machine for 35 minutes. As I was driving to the gym from the office my stomach was grumbling. I was so hungry – but I waited to eat my banana until after my workout because I was not sure what I was going to do at the gym (i.e. what machine would be available.)

I did not get home from the gym and a couple of other errands until 7:55. Which in my body’s mind was really like 9 o’clock because the time change has NOT set in to my routine yet. I was beyond ready for dinner. Very lucky for me – my mom had prepared dinner for us! One I was showered and in my cozy sweat pants, this dinner tasted so good:

Baked sole (with panko bread crumbs and whole grain mustard) grilled asparagus and a bulgur dish that I picked up from East Side Market after my gym visit. Mom and I both loved dinner. It was nice and healthy, and the fish was a great form of protein. Fantastic! Thank you, Mom 🙂 It was great to be able to get the gym in and have such a great dinner after I was done.

Heading for bed so I can start the work week off rested! Getting rest and sleep is so important – and when I am waking up so early in the morning, I know that most nights during the work week I do not get enough sleep. It’s something I am trying to work on now.

See you soon!