Michelle Bridges with Mia
Here’s the secret to exercise motivation: there isn’t one. Michelle Bridges taught me this when I met her a couple of weeks ago. Crushing, isn’t it? But in a way it’s also quite freeing. And it could be the missing link when it comes to understanding why so many Australians don’t exercise enough or even at all. Clearly, we need to stop waiting around for some magic motivational bullet to propel us off our bums and into a Pilates class. Not going to happen.
If you described Michelle Bridges as Australia’s most famous and successful trainer, you’d probably be right. Via her programs, she claims to have helped strip 100,000 unwanted kilograms of weight off Australian bodies. She’s also a bit like a cult leader because it’s impossible to meet her and not come under her energetic spell. This happened to me recently during a function where Michelle was one of the panellists and I was MC.
It was a breakfast event so at 6:45am, I couldn’t even state my name with complete certainty but she was glowing as she towered over me in the most incredible shoes you’ve ever seen. In fact she was quite incandescent with energy and enthusiasm and….zest. Verve. Zing. Pizazz. She fizzed, like champagne washed down with espresso. But that’s not even the most interesting part. What Michelle got me thinking about that morning was the myth of motivation.
As the panel discussed some research into how many Australians are overweight, the subject of how to change people’s behaviour came up and I directed a question to Michelle: ”How do we motivate ourselves to exercise? What’s the secret?”
Her answer was surprising.
Basically, Michelle thinks the idea of motivation is bullshit. I’m paraphrasing because her mouth is not as potty-ish as mine but that’s her basic view.
Like the rest of us, Michelle doesn’t adore exercise when she’s doing it and she doesn’t particularly look forward to it. And it’s this myth – that we should LOVE exercise and be inspired to do it – that so many of us use as an excuse not to.
Michelle says she’s asked about motivation all the time because people assume she is a motivation machine. But she’s not. “I don’t wake up, pump my fist in the air and go ‘YES! I’M GOING RUNNING! RUNNING! YESSSSSSS!’” she insists. Just like she doesn’t wake up and go “YES! I’M HAVING A SHOWER AND BRUSHING MY TEETH.” Or “YES! I HAVE A DENTIST APPOINTMENT!” It’s just what she does.
Michelle's shoes. She doesn't run in these.
If you wait for motivation to magically appear? You’ll still be sprawled on your couch watching The Real Housewives in a decade.
The clouds do not part. Inspiration does not strike. You will probably never be overcome by the urge to exercise. You. Just. Do. It.
It turns out Nike might be onto something. Who knew?
Accidentally, I’ve taken this approach to exercise for a long time. It’s also known as the Don’t-Negotiate-With-Terrorists method if by ‘terrorists’ you mean the self-sabotaging parts of yourself that would prefer to sleep-in or go for drinks after work instead of moving vigorously until parts of your body hurt and get sweaty.
I don’t negotiate with myself about exercise. Ever. I’ve done the same thing for years. And years and years. Exercise is one of the most boring and predictable things in my life but also one of the most important. Without it, I’m Moody McBitchface.
The way I sidestep the need for motivation is to remove as many variables as possible – I exercise indoors so weather doesn’t matter. I exercise alone so I’m no relying on anyone. I don’t have a trainer or do classes so it’s not budget dependent.
I always exercise in the morning and always on cardio machines. The morning part is crucial. It means I don’t spend the day having those exhausting debates in my head about whether I will or won’t do it after work. Exercising in the morning is as much a part of my routine as getting dressed.
Before you say it, yes, I’m sure I could get far better ‘results’ if I mixed it up, got a trainer, cross-trained yadda yadda yadda. But doing that would be risky and counter-productive because it’s the very predictability, sameness and lack of spontaneous change that makes it more likely to happen.
Does this make me motivated? Disciplined? Or just a bit OCD?
Thinking about it, I realised I apply this non-negotiable approach to other areas of my life too. Like writing.
One of my favourite TED talks is by Eat Pray Love author Elizabeth Gilbert where she speaks about creativity and writing. She’s also a Just Do It girl. Because if you’re a professional writer with deadlines, you don’t have the luxury of sitting around and waiting for inspiration to strike.
A large part of being a writer is just writing. Obvious but true. Less angsting, more doing. You can edit bad words but you can’t edit no words. I give that advice to every writer who asks me about writing this column or books or blogging…don’t be precious about it, just pull finger. Enough with the waiting and analysing or deadlines will pass you by. And so will life.
How do you motivate yourself to exercise (or do anything else, for that matter)?
Comments
178 Comments so far
I almost didn’t read this article when it started talking about “exercise motivation” because I don’t believe it exists…apparently it doesn’t and was worth a read.
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I didn’t need the motivation when my body was fit and healthy and able to do almost anything I asked of it. I loved exercise and did it out of necessity (I was in the Army) and out of the pure joy of having a body that could do it.
Years later – my body is not so reactive (and has suffered significant damage from my previous physical regimes) and exercise is as much a joy as sticking a pin in my eye. But I’m slowly learning this message. I just have to do it – i’m not going to suddenly wake up and love it like I used to. That is such a damn depressing thought !!
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I am supremely unmotivated when it comes to exercise. My motto has always been “Why put off til tomorrow what you can put off til next week?” Ironically, I have a job that doesn’t allow me that luxury so I am always working to deadlines. So I just have to get on with it, regardless. Exercise has always been my one rebellion in my hectic, regimented schedule. I’ve never liked it. In fact I would go as far to say I have always avoided it. But now that I am in my early 30s I realise that exercise is a crucial part of living a healthier life. I still hate it, but at least I am doing something positive for my health. And, yes, the rumors are true…I feel less stressed, sleep better and have more energy when I do exercise. So my motivation is pure piety. *sigh* curse you exercise…there’s gotta be an easier way!
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Last week I realized something big: that I exersize to socialize and to manage my anxiety. That really my body is like a car and needs to be taken to for a run, stretchened and stretched. I’m working out harder now, but from an easier place. Kinda like brushing my teeth, I do it cause my body needs it. Simple.
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That makes sense. As we age we become more aware of what we need to live content and full lives. Awareness and following through is a good thing.
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I completely agree with Michelle’s philosophy and Mia’s comments – I visit my gym 4-6 times a week and while sometimes I do enjoy it while I’m there, I am rarely excited by the prospect. What gets me going there is routine. I generally develop a pattern of doing the same workout for several weeks/months before falling onto the next workout. This works for me, it gives me a comfort zone so I know what I’m going to be doing, how long I’m going to be there and removes any chance of negotiating myself out of it. Exercising is just something I do and something I have to prioritise above non-urgent other things to make sure I do it. It’s part of who I am.
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I am doing my first round of 12wbt with Michelle Bridges – in the 4 weeks of preseason and the first 4 weeks of the program I have shed 13.9kgs! This after being 165 kgs at my heaviest, five years of trying all sorts of weight loss gimmicks half heartedly – just hoping the motivation would hit me like a lightening strike.
Am I motivated now? You bet! Did Michelle “get me” motivated. Would seem so – what did she say to get me motivated? “JFDI” (Just fricken’ do it) – and that’s what I tell myself each night when I set my alarm to get up at 5.20 to go to the gym before work. When my colleagues at work ask me how I get up that early and find time to prepare such yummy lunches – I say I JFDI.
I was at the “Australia’s Biggest Health Check” where Mish was hosting and leading a group fitness session. I waited to have my photo taken – when it was my turn I lost my composure and teared up. She spoke to me – not to “motivate” me, but to remind me I had the potential to achieve my goals.
If you want more details and pics – hop over to my blog http://fitandhappynotfatandhippy.wordpress.com/2011/10/08/i-may-not-have-burned-1000-calories-but-i-sure-had-a-super-saturday/
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Just a quick update – 18 weeks of being part of 12wbt = 21.5kgs gone!
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Good on you! I have only heard positive things about the 12wbt. But, no matter how fantastic the program is, it’s up to the individual to make it work. Congrats
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I too heard from Michelle Bridges as a speaker at a health event. And that particular of her talk stuck with me too… Just. Do. It. Motivation is a myth!
And when I am feeling ‘un-motivated’ I have to remember that it’s not going to strike me til I get out there and just do it. Useful advice.
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Dog parks are great. I have CFS so I get scared about over doing things but I took my girl to a dog park with agility equipment (bonus it’s free!) I was just so excited to see her play with the other pups and have a great time and when we were the only ones there I had to be enthusiastic and run around to teach her agility. I found myself wanting to run around and join in her fun. Also I hate running cos I have massive boobs! So short burst were good. It’s good for my CFS too. I find I’m the same when I’m with my nephews. They want to get out and play nerf games and I can’t say no to those faces!
my doctor would be so proud. Lol as long as I don’t over do it! I have a very full on and pushy attitude to anything I do hence the CFS I run til I want to collapse or I work until I can’t see straight. That why over doing it a very real fear for me. Over doing it one day could mean a week of not being able to get out of bed. I think I’m slowly finding the balance tho 
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From what I’ve been reading lately (including a great book on the subject called ‘We Have Met The Enemy’), it seems that willpower (or motivation) alone just isn’t enough to get us doing the right thing.
What does work is what psychologists call pre-commitment. It’s all about getting the environment right so that you are more likely to stick you your resolution. This is why people join gyms – having forked out the subscription fees, they figure they’re more likely to go. Another example would be to avoid shopping on an empty stomach or keeping your favourite snacks in the pantry.
Some people, it turns out, are better suited to the ‘just do it’ method of self discipline, while others require more subtle tricks and support to stay on the straight and narrow (whether its exercise or writing that novel).
Either way, the key is to put as many mechanisms in place as you can to make sure you actually do the thing you want to commit to. In my case, it’s finishing the book I’m writing (I have to admit here that, as a yoga teacher and avid swimmer, I actually love moving my body, so exercise isn’t the biggest challenge for me). I ended up asking a friend who’s also writing a book to be my writing buddy. We commit to writing a certain number of words before our next meeting and, boy, does that motivate me. Even if I feel I’m just typing a load of rubbish to meet my agreed word count, the sheer effort of sitting down and writing always turns up something productive.
Yes, just do it; but make sure you’ve got a network of support mechanisms in place, just in case just doing it just doesn’t!
Nikola Ellis
http://adoreyoga.com/
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Great idea with the buddy system adoreyoga! I too use a buddy on some things so I am ‘accountable’. It’s a bit like having a free life coach who will keep me on the straight and narrow!
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I worked at a gym for 6 years and so it was my life- work, exercise, social life, i was there allll the time!! Now I can’t do gyms!
I like being part of a community so I signed up for a dance school. Suddenly I’m doing a few hours almost every night because I love all the styles, it’s so social, my Friday and Saturday nights are spent at salsa bars dancing with my dance friends rather than spending a fortune on drinks at pubs and non Latino clubs, and I have performance opportunities pretty often as well (now that’s motivation to practise outside class!!!)
Dance class made me fall in love with moving (rather than just exercising). I dance everywhere now, even in the supermarket. And now travelling through Latin America, I’ve found my dance skills are the best way to meet people (and keep active!!) every city has a salsa bar and so it’s been the best!!!
Ps i wouldn’t say I’m a great dancer if anyone is reading this going “oh that’s great but I suck at dancing”, I just found a school with the philosophy that everyone can move and enjoy themselves to music, no matter what level everyone gets up on stage and has a blast. That’s what dancing is about- loving music and movement.
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The multi million dollar fitness and diet industry. Repeat customers are the key to their success. Their success..not yours. If you have to go back more than once then the only thing you’re losing is your money. There’s a saying: The definition of Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Here’s my advice, and it’s free.
Sit down and have a little chat with yourself. A serious chat. Ask yourself if you are a grown-up. Then step back and look at yourself from a distance. Look at how you spend your days; look at how you feed your body.
Then act like a grown-up. Stop blaming everyone and everything for why you are fat and unfit. Be responsible for yourself, for your health.
When I was a kid if I was anywhere near a bikkie tin or was left alone with the cake mix, I’d scoff it down..I had poor impulse control, kids have poor impulse control. I’m an adult now, and whilst I think it would be great to scoop up a spoonful of cake mix before I put it in the tin, I don’t. I resist. I’m an adult.
If you need to spend hours at the gym or even at home, doing strenuous excerise for weight control then you are clearly eating poorly. Exercise is good for fitness, and how fit you want to be is totally up to you, but it is not necessary for weight loss. That said, I think everyone should be working at becoming more active. But this needs to be a permanent lifestyle change and it can be done.
Initially, a great way to increase your activity is to try to clock up 10,000 steps a day. You don’t need to buy a pedometer..just go for a brisk walk, time yourself for 60 secs whilst counting your steps. Use that as your guide. So you may do 120 steps per minute so a ten minute walk is 1200 steps.
Get off the bus a stop early, take the stairs, walk whenever you can (trying to get to 10,000 steps a day will actually encourage you do this and once you’ve been doing it for a while it will become second nature to walk..a 1, 2 or 3 km walk to work, the shops or an appointment etc should become the norm. )
Instead of getting exercise in a gym or on the lounge room floor (which seems to be a permanent source of stress to many who have posted here) , play tennis/golf/squash/netball/etc etc.. go to the beach/park and play cricket with your kids, throw a frisbee..get out and have fun (exercise or activity then becomes a side benefit).
As for food… Eat real food. Fresh, ‘once was alive’ food. Full fat food. Surround yourself with good food. Cut out as much processed food as you can (and this should be MOST processed food).Just throw it out.
Pay attention when you eat. Stop eating when you are full. Only eat when you are hungry. (Once you cut out processed foods you won’t feel hungry all the time). Be an adult. Make treats just that..treats. Have them only now and then. You should never feel deprived, but grow up. Be responsible.
If you make permanent changes to how you move and what you eat then the rest will look after itself.
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fantastic comment!you should be the next michelle bridges!
you are correct also in saying that so many people don’t personally take their own health issues in their own hands,they keep people like Michelle in jobs,it really isn’t very hard!
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and that’s exactly what michelle’s online program is all about.
she provides people with the tools to change their lives to do everything you said:
eat the fresh foods. (and know how to cook them if necessary)
exercising in a way that suits the individual. the program offers several options: the gym of course, with options to use the machines available or gym classes, outdoor training or indoor (in the lounge room!)
again, something michelle has said verbally and in her books – losing weight is not about exercising. sure that will help. it’s more about clean eating. clean up your diet and get rid of the crap and DON’T exercise and chances are you’ll lose more weight than a person who exercises like crazy but still eats all the wrong foods.
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So well said! I should print this out and put it on my fridge. This will be my new mantra. “Are you a grown up? yes!” simple but brilliant! It would apply to all aspects of life. Hope you don’t mind if I pinch it.
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Dear Mia
I love your work and always get a laugh and some serious contemplation from it. So I know you will be able to take on board some advice re this particular post (which I read in its printed form!).
As a sufferer of OCD (and there are MANY of us in Australia), the use of OCD as you have referred to it in this article – ‘Or just a bit OCD?’
(in the same way people used to say they were ‘schizophrenic’ if they were in two minds about something) is not appropriate any more than alluding to any other serious illnesses in this way would be. Noone is ‘just a bit’ when it comes to OCD. It seriously affects peoples lives and the lives of those who care for them. Please check out some resources (eg http://www.anxietyaustralia.com.au/anxiety_disorders/ocd.shtml or actually the UK association is much more active http://www.ocduk.org/).
People like you can change these attitudes for the better. It is certaintly not unusual to hear statements such as yours but no less painful for sufferers. Thankyou for listening (sadly I am not yet brave enough to use my real name as people may recognise it and many do not know of my condtion. There are still huge stigmas attached. I’m working on it – part of the condition actually!)
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Lighten up. Most readers understand the difference between a mild need to do some thing in one way, eg ‘I’m OCD about exercising’, and the debilitating affliction of true OCD. To suggest otherwise is insulting to the (mostly) intelligent readers of this blog.
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Michelle is great and I agree wholeheartedly with her philosophy, but all the exercise in the world won’t undo the damage that those shoes are doing to her body.
Now that we’ve figured out how to solve the obesity epeidemic can we do something about the long term damage that these increasingly ridiculous and dangerous ‘shoes’ are doing to countless young women’s feet, bones, muscles, tendons and posture. Bring back the sensible shoe!
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I find the easiest exercise is a good walk first thing in the morning it’s free and babies are no excuse as I used to take mine with me! When they got too big for the pram my husband and I would tag team our exercise I agree just do it ! After a few years it gets in your dna
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I really find it is a bit of a cycle – when I am exercising, I feel better than when I’m not. I crave fruit and vegetable and more nutritious food, which in turn enforces the discipline required to go out and do something on the days you really can’t be bothered because you *know* you will feel even better for it, whether you enjoy the activity itself or not. Times I have injured myself and been in recovery, I’ve found myself very undisciplined and not able to force myself out, and that’s when I’ve craved junk food and crap. At first it takes a hell of a lot of effort and will power, but after a short amount of time you can change your habits so instead of automatically rolling over and hitting snooze, you’re up and dressed and heading out the door for a morning session before you even wake up properly
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Great article, Michelle is inspiring. Another great motivational tool I use is where do you want to be in a year or even 5 years. It has stopped me from being short sighted about my health and fitness – you know when you start another health kick every month!!
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omg I so needed this… my BF chris and I were having this exact discussion Saturday morning, his advice was “JUST DO IT” and his other fave is always “BE CONSISTENT” so simple hey.. I have a lot of arguments in my head about diet and exercise, i should just SHUT UP AND DO IT!! haha
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I need an exercise goal to motivate myself so 2 months ago I booked myself into a 5km fun run which is on this weekend. I never considered myself a long distance runner, usually 30 seconds of jogging on the treadmill is enough for me before I revert to a walking pace. The goal of running 5km seemed almost unachievable at the time.
With 2 months training opportunity I printed off a couch to 5km training program and I have followed this despite several weeks of illness this Winter. Well….2 days ago I was able to run for 5 km for the first time in my life! It was hard and boring but now I’ve done it I am so motivated to run further distances and improve my time.
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I’ve got a swim/run in December as a goal to train for. Swim doesn’t worry me, the run does though. But it gives me something to aim for!
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I’m doing the couch to 5k program too.. so far I’m at week 4. I’m finding it’s really working for me to gradually build up my running distance.
Good luck for your run this weekend!
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I am so happy you wrote an article on this subject Mia, I love Michelle’s philosophy and think her little column in Life every weekend is always chock full of common sense – alarmingly though it seems a lot of people aren’t aware of the issues our nation faces.
Your readership is obviously wide reaching and I think it is so fantastic when you chose to highlight really important topics such as this. As some one who has lost 18kg, put some back on after pregnancy, lost 8kg, then put some back on after another pregancy and then just lost 7kg again, I totally agree with your sentiments. If you wait to be motivated, or for the weather to be good, or til you feel like it – it will never happen!
The wonderful thing about changing ones body and health for the better is that you really do have complete control over it – although sometimes when things are feeling hopeless it can feel the opposite. Anyone, of any size, shape, lifestyle, from any walk of life has the power to change right now.
Once you start to realise that with the right combination of a bit of effort (exercising) and being mindful of what you fuel your body with (eating less crap) it really is in your hands, the sense of empowerment is like nothing else! Sometimes it feels as if we don’t have many choices in where life takes us – but when it comes to our bodies, our health, we absolutely most certainly do.
There is my rant for today!! Off to have some skim milk organic porridge for breakkie!
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Michelle is very correct. There is no magic motivational tip to exercise. I managed to lose 41 kg while working 13 hour shifts in the mining industry, with 50 % of them being night shift. Now I’m doing a PhD fulltime, teaching part time and also training from another Ironman triathlon. The advice I got when I commenced to lose weight was just do it, even when you don’t feel like it. Once the exercise session is started it will almost always be completed.
The only easy day was yesterday. I almost never want to train (especially swimming) but always enjoy how I feel once I’m done. Before you complain about how about there is no time to exercise answer this question: What do you have time for in your busy schedule – one hour of exercise a day or being dead 24 hours a day?
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I was once told that it’s better to inspire and educate rather than just motivate.
Reason….
If you motivate an idiot they just do stupid things faster.
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Hahhaa! Love that comment!!
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Thank goodness someone said it. 90% of enquiries cite motivation as the thing they need the most. Just get through the door & don’t think too much about it, you’ll feel 100% better on the way out. Nothing disastrous is going to happen.
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Great post, really put things into perspective as I’ve been waiting for the inspiration to strike! Best I call the local Crossfit for membership details . But in regards to weight loss, it’s important to note that diet is basically 90% of results, not ‘chronic cardio’. And if you do love your cardio you need to up your food intake!
The best results for me is following a Paleo/caveman diet/lifestyle. I really encourage you all to check it out. Google it and check out sites like Marks Daily Apple, Robb Wolf and The Whole 9. Fitness and health is a journey, read widely as conventional wisdom is not always right nor for everyone.
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My motivation for exercise, that during my pregnancy my husband became a toned, sexy gym junkie whilst I got fatter and fatter. My pregnancy exercise consisted of me walking to the fridge several times an hour. I want to be as attractive to my husband as he is to me (even though he says after 2 children in under 2 years, an extra 30kg since we starts seeing each other I am sexier than ever). I want to be healthy to run around with my children and set a good example for them. That is all the motivation I need. Only 3 more weeks of recovery and I can go back to the gym!
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In July last year I weighed 80kg; now… 90kg.
Winter set in, I stopped riding my bike, work got harder, my wife got pregnant (IVF screws with every part of you) and our toddler started to get more demanding.
Since then, work went insane (6 months of 14-16 hour days and weekend work), bub #2 arrived, we had to learn how to handle a newborn again and we started toilet training our toddler. Another thing is that my wife loves to bake sweet things. She is _very_ good at it, I love to taste what she creates, and I hate to see food wasted.
Oh, and in July while on an OS work trip I tore my medial meniscus so I physically haven’t been able to ride without a lot of pain, either.
So …. all those things have got in my way, and I’m angry, Very Angry about having to prioritise work over exercise (rather than build exercise into my schedule). I’ve also found it very difficult to fit exercise in with helping my wife with our 2 kids. Perhaps if I didn’t work from home (fulltime) it might be easier.
That said, I had my arthroscopy on the 22nd, I get the stitches out tomorrow, and the first question I’m going to ask my surgeon is “how many more days before I can get back on my bike?”
I’ve got a few mostly-flat routes worked out around home which will let me get back in without undue stress on my knee, but will still make me put in a reasonable cardio and fat-burning effort.
I have discrete, measurable goals (Bicycle Queensland’s Coottha Challenge in 2012, with a sub-15m time for the timed ascent part; riding to the office in town twice a week [40km round trip]). I need to get back into my size 34 jeans, I need to get back into those beautiful tailored Italian shirts I got in 2005 and, damnit, I want to get down to 75kg.
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Just got back from seeing the surgeon, he reckons that apart from the tear (which was 6mm at its widest, about the same as the distance between upper and lower bones when lying down!) my knee is in excellent conditiion.
He said I can get back on the bike as soon as I want, but to start slowly
AWESOME!
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Great article Mia.
I like the answer Michelle gave about motivation. Yes, when i think about it, it’s very true. I have exercised most of my life. I recently have moved into the fitness industry as a PT as I love it so much.
But if i where to break my love down, yes – i don’t love to look forward to the pain of exercise. I just know that it has to be a part of my lifestyle and week otherwise I’ll end up slowly each month adding a little more weight until all of a sudden – what happened to my body – I’m overweight!
I want to be able to afford to love my lifestyle of wine and healthy, good quality food (and sometimes dessert or chocolate), so therefore exercise is part of the parcel.
Exercise allows you to end up loving the way you feel from the endorphins after exercise and how good your body starts to look after time and how you can afford to eat a little luxury, knowing that you’ll have to workout the next day to counteract the calories. This is for me, my motivation!
Either way, exercise can get boring, so for me i need to keep it interesting, do different sessions, different challenges, enter fun runs, create a personal fitness goal for a special occasion in the near future. Anything like this helps.
I have exercised a long time, i push myself and get results most of the time, however there are times i just need a break as I can lose my mojo – only human, but always think it’s okay to have a short break, just means my next fitness goal it going to be a little more challenging to keep on top of my desired body.
Thanks
Caroline
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Caroline – I need to keep it interesting too, otherwise I give up, unless it’s a netball team where I have to keep going. Also, sport changes every time you do it, so I guess that’s why I don’t really get bored with it.
That is why I’ve joined the 12WBT, so that I’ve got someone telling me stuff to do, because even though I’ve got a fitness qualification, and could still probably write myself a program, I know I’ll get bored with it. But if someone else is telling me to do it and keeping stats? I’ll do it! I also love swimming – I enjoy going anyway, but if I’ve got a coach or even a program to follow, I do SO much more than on my own.
People seem to think that those who are fit and especially those who work in the industry have super motivation and good genes – I disagree – the story in the Women’s Weekly last month about Mish starts with her at the gym with HER trainer! Everyone needs a push sometimes.
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Hey guys. I left a comment about tntaslanirg your statcounter system into Russian several days ago. Now I cannot access neither your blog, nor statcounter home page from my IP. Have you blocked me??? Why???Please open me back. Of course I can use other IPs (as I do now), but it’s irritating to do it each time I want to check the stats. My current real IP is 81.201.242.174, but please remove blocking for the entire region because it looks like I cannot access statcounter from several places.Guys, I like your product, but blocking me was such a nonsense! And for what?? For the fact that I offered to help you with translation. I am shocked.
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money. Simply because I am a uni student and going to the gym is expensive. so I say to myself, I;m paying for this I might as well go.
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I disagree with the notion that exercise is something that no one enjoys while they’re doing it – I also hate the whole idea of “no pain, no gain”! Maybe if so many people didn’t think that exercise had to be such a painful, hellish thing then people would be more active. I enjoy walking, I enjoy dancing and doing zumba, I enjoy swimming, doing some resistance training in my room… you don’t just have to slog it out on boring cardio machines or whatever. Just do some sort of activity that for you isn’t “exercise”, it’s just something you like!
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I agree. Michelle’s not really about exercise being crap to do, obviously she enjoys it – but she’s saying you’re not always going to want to do it or feel like it, but it’s more that you need to make it a regular unquestioned part of your day – so you don’t question putting clothes on, or brushing your teeth, so you want to get exercise to be as automatic as that. Get up, go to the loo, put your workout gear on, go. I had that kind of structure for exercise in the navy, and it was like that – get up, get your gear on, and off you go to PT. And you just do it. And sometimes I’d hate every minute of the class, and some I’d love – different strokes for different folks. But I never once regretted going, and that’s her big point – you’ll regret not going, but you won’t regret going.
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I love the way you put that!
Now to find a way to get into a routine that includes exercise, other than walking the dog and the lunch hour pilates class at work…
Any suggestions for mums with toddlers and fifo husbands?
When hubby is away I battle to find the time to do my classes and when he’s here we’re off doing things together that rarely includes a work out.
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Thanks!
There are quite a few FIFO partners both stay at home and working outside the home mums doing the 12WBT, actually. I discovered the other day that my cousin is doing it too – she has a 2 1/2 yr old nutcase and a baby. She said she’s found a local park that has seats she can do outdoor circuits at, and she exercises and lets the little fella run around like a lunatic.
I’ve bought Mish’s dvds ($40 for 3 discs) and have set up old tv and dvd player in the garage to keep the noise down and do them when Katharine goes back to sleep in the mornings and I get up.
I’ve also teamed up with another Mum and we tag team swimming laps and minding the kids, which has worked well.
Maybe broaden your definition of workout? Go for walks or play frisbee at the park with your husband and dog and kids? If they’re big enough for swimming lessons on their own, try and get them in at the same time and go for a swim yourself?
I’m pretty sure if you ask around you’ll find other Mums who’d be willing to tag team with you.
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I like your idea of doing the DVDs when able – that would fit into my evening routine, only I’m in a tiny house, so I’d have to do it quietly – sadly no garage. Does Michelle’s videos involve a lot of space and moving around?
I totally see your point about broadening my horizon, I am a fairly fit person, I do go for long walks, and let’s face it, running after a toddler doesn’t allow much down time, but I’m chasing the toning/stretching/core building workouts, that everyday running around just doesn’t provide.
II was getting into body balance again at my gym, but the only class that worked with the creche and my time off work was Saturday morning, which seems to coincide with when my little girl gets sick after her last day of daycare.
know, so many excuses… Just shut up and f…. DO IT!!
Thanks for your input!
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My motivation is remembering how difficult life was when I was pregnant and gained an extra 20kg. When bending over, climbing stairs, and standing up from sitting on the couch get hard, you realise how much impact extra weight has on your day-to-day life.
I also love the endorphins from exercising. Which is why I’ve been a cranky pants the last few weeks, as a shoulder injury is preventing all my usual exercise. I find riding the bikes at the gym so dull, but perhaps I will try and adopt the “just do it” attitude to get me through until I can swim and do group fitness classes again.
I find the “just do it” attitude also works well in reverse, as the “just don’t think about it” attitude. I have successfully adopted this for walking past the chocolate isle in the supermarket. It’s no longer an option – I don’t have to consider it and decide “no” one day so therefore “yes” another.. it’s just not going to happen, the choice is made and doesn’t have to be made again. It’s quite good!
I think this whole idea is similar to cognitive behaviour therapy?
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Yeah, it kind of is CBT, you’re right.
I think it’s the worst when you CAN’T do something, as opposed to just not doing it. I’ve had enough injuries to have that feeling – it sucks. Even when it’s something you otherwise wouldn’t think about doing, you’re standing there looking wistfully at the body attack class/pump class/runners wishing you could join in but knowing you can’t. I feel for you!
Do the bikes have different courses and stuff on them? Maybe make a competition with yourself and record your times and try to beat them?
I don’t believe in treadmills, but I love the cross trainer and sometimes go on the bikes – the only way I can do them is stuff like time trials.
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this is SO the article I needed today. first run back for me in waaaay too long.
Non negotiable – now my tag line
thank you.
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I do have motivation. Now that I’m in my 50s it’s to stay flexible and strong so that I have a better chance of being a sprightly old lady. DVDs are fantastic and I have a variety, but my staple is yoga. I also jump around on an exercise trampoline while watching TV. I walk to and from public transport, walk to the shops and carry groceries home. And – here’s an embarrassing confession – I jog on the spot in the a.m. while I’m patting on moisturiser etc!
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Timely post – I found my motivation today in a David Jones changing room.
The Harsh Lights of Truth shone down upon my many wintry sins, and I made this vow: “I will not go up a size!”
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Deborah – this is exactly what happened to me!!!! I am so depressed when I leave the David Jones change room and this just happened to me after winter too. After a trip there, I go around not opting for an ice-cream when my stick-thin child has one and so on for a couple of weeks. Then I forget because I’m not naturally inclined to diet, begin to have the treats and just refuse to go in those change rooms.
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When I realised the trousers I was trying on only *just* fit, but not in a flattering or bum-enhancing way, I had a brief internal struggle that went something like “I can’t find anything in my size, I hate my thighs, and damn you stodgy winter-warmer food. I think I need to sit down and have a soothing cup of tea – ooh, and cake!”
Then the angel on my other shoulder said “…and cake is going to help this situation how?! You need to get off the couch and move more!”
She’s a tough-love angel, clearly.
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Deborah, I know those lights!
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I guess you could say that to the outsider, I’m pretty fitness obsessed. I own all three of Michelle’s books and subscribe to Women’s Health. I had a personal trainer for a year. I’m a black belt in karate. Anyone that really knows me knows that I’m really not athletic at all. I stopped taking PE in high school at the earliest chance and never competed in athletics carnivals.
My workout history is filled with indecision and changes! At (almost) 23, I have been a member of Fernwood (3 times), Goodlife (once), Jetts (twice), another gym close to home (once), my Uni gym (once) and soon to be Fitness First.. I’m no stranger to filling out membership paperwork.
I also signed up to the 12WBT last round but didn’t follow the workout or eating plans at all.
I know this sounds like an excuse, but… I would LOVE to be able to get up in the morning and do my workout straight away. Unfortunately, starting work at 6:15 or 6:45 4/5 weekdays means that it’s not really an option for me.
I was in an okay routine where I would come home and go to the gym up the road but there were often days where something would delay me, or I’m absolutely buggered, and I’d tell myself that I’d make it a rest day. Three days later I’m saying the same thing. Ooops.
What I found works well for me in the past is a combination of being able to work out straight after work and actually enjoying my surroundings, so I’m the foundation member of a gym that opens a few minutes from my work on October 14. I already have a semi structure of a weekly plan in place (RPM/Balance one day, Pump another, weights and/or cardio three others) and I have the motivation there – trip to Europe in our winter next year with lots of beach time. Actually looking forward to the routine and by getting my workouts done during the working week, I don’t have to feel guilty if I have a lazy weekend.
What I have learnt over the past 5-6 years of taking an interest in fitness is that for me, there are ebbs and flows. There will be times when you aren’t as in the exercise game as you have in the past, but that’s okay. Once you get back in the gym, it’s only a matter of time before the endorphins do their work and all is right in the world again.
Oh – and to the answer the motivation question. I’m motivated by results. Weight training is amazing for my body and the changes are definitely worth the pain.
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Join a team or club – then you’re letting other people down if you bail!
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Don’t join Fitness First!! They will sap you of the will to live, aswell as the will to workout!!
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Agreed!!!
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I actually recently posted a blog addressing this issue: http://sweatlikeapig.com/2011/09/28/my-antidepressant-of-choice/
For me, exercise is a part of my day. I don’t feel guilted into doing it, and I don’t feel like it’s a chore. It’s as essential as eating, sleeping or brushing my teeth. I absolutely look forward to every workout and I feel lost when I don’t do it. Saying that you don’t have motivation is just another BS excuse to justify sitting on your arse.
I completely disagree with Michelle that you can’t be motivated to exercise. Of course you can. I’m training for my first figure competition and if you don’t have motivation you will not survive. The things you have to go through are insane and you can’t take one bite of food that isn’t in your diet for the entire 12 weeks prior to a competition. You get so hungry that you can’t sleep, and then you have to hit the treadmill.
If I didn’t have the motivation of athletes such as Erin Stern (please Google her if you really want to feel motivated!) posted on my wall and fridge, I’m completely confident I would not be able to make it.
Of course it doesn’t have to be that extreme. You might just want to get back to a certain weight you once were, or wear a new dress. But exercising and eating healthy is not a short-term thing. It should be something you do every single day for the rest of your life. There is no easy fix and, unfortunately, you have to make an effort. Results will not just fall into your lap if you hit the treadmill once a week. Every woman out there NEEDS to lift weights, but that’s a different argument
I also disagree with limiting your calories to 1200 calories in the way the 12WB advocates. Even figure competitors, who get to 8-10 per cent body fat (an average woman is 25 per cent), don’t drop their calories below 1600 a day. If you’re exercising, you need to fuel your body or your weight loss will mostly be from muscle and the second you stop your “diet” you will just gain all the weight back – but in the form of fat. Of course you will see results if you starve your body, but it should NOT be looked at as a long-term solution.
As an example, I am currently eating 2200 calories a day. I lift weights for an hour, five days a week and do absolutely zero cardio. Yet I continue to build muscle and drop fat, losing weight overall. There are no gimmicks – just eat whole, natural foods. And find what motivates you, and use it to remind yourself why you’re eating that salad or going to the gym at 5am!
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Amen sister!!!
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Where does Mia report Michelle as saying you can’t have motivation to exercise? She just makes the point that most people, herself included, don’t wake up going “Sweet! I’m going to run 10km right now! Hooray!”, and that to overcome the lack of enthusiasm if it’s an automatic, unquestioned part of your day, you don’t think about it, you just do it, and you feel good as a result.
Michelle doesn’t have any gimmicks – all she’s doing is giving meal plans for easy to make, largely fresh, meals, and exercise plans, with mindset lessons to learn how to overcome obstacles that come up. And she is a HUGE advocate of weights – the workouts are split into fitness and strength.
You really need to remember that not everyone is like you and wants to be a bodybuilding competitor. I’ve called you on your extreme diet (which you cracked the shits and blogged about!) before, where you said it’s not, it’s sensible eating, and now you talk about waking up starving? Please, get a grip.
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Ahh, the woman who told me to eat burritos to lose weight….
The whole article is suggesting it!
“Basically, Michelle thinks the idea of motivation is bullshit. I’m paraphrasing because her mouth is not as potty-ish as mine but that’s her basic view.”
There are people out there who do jump out of bed at 6am, excited to go to the gym or go for a run. People need to stop looking at exercise as a painful chore and realise that it can be fun! I know Michelle promotes weight lifting and I applaud her for that. I appreciate how she focuses on the mental element that most people struggle with, I just disagree with the idea that you can’t feel constantly motivated.
I know that not everyone wants to be a bodybuilder (for the record, I’m not a bodybuilder. There’s a big difference between bodybuilding and being a figure competitor!) and I wouldn’t recommend the every-day person following a diet/exercise plan like that.
I do not have an extreme diet (so of course I cracked the shits when you tell me that I do!), I am just well-educated about nutrition and know that most people are going about weight loss in a way that cannot be maintained. Think about it, 90% of people regain all the weight they lost after dieting. You only wake up starving when you’re pre-competition and trying to get an extremely low body fat. It’s a sport and not something that you do all the time. My off-season diet is what any sensible person should follow.
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Don’t misrepresent what I said, Tara. You’re doing it with this article to fit your own rant as well.
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I think Michelle is fantastic for the industry except I suspect that she is starting to sellout in order to cash in on her fame. Every article I’ve read recently has her promoting Special K cereal 3 times a day. I would seriously pay attention to what she is saying because I think the dollar signs are blurring her vision.
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“Moody McBitchface” – Love it, that is me too.
The best advice I was given by a doctor when going through a bout of depression as a teenager. Walk for 20 mins every morning to get your heart pumping. Since a doctor said it I believed it and it has ever since been a important tool in my mental stability!
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My current motivation is a boy I really like who I haven’t seen in the flesh for 5 months, and I know I will see him at any time as we live in the same town.
My other motivation are my ‘skinny jeans’ – aka being to tight to buy new ones when I have perfectly good ones in my cupboard.
And finally, the best one. JOIN A TEAM! If you are part of a team then there are certain expectations upon you, eg. turn up to training or you don’t play, or, when I was rowing, if you didn’t show up, the rest of your crew could not train. Letting others down is a great reason to get out of bed or get into your runners after work.
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I agree with this to an extent but I think it’s a lot easier for people who have always incorporated exercise into their life. If you’ve led a fairly sedentary life, I think you do need some outside motivation to begin with. I travel two hours a day for work and I work very long hours but I try to do three one-hour classes a week (two cardio and one strength) and then add in another class if I can. I find group exercises and team sports are the best for me in terms of motivation. I find running on the treadmill and elliptical so boring.
Like a lot of people, I don’t particularly enjoy exercise while I do it not do I look forward to it but I do like the feeling I get afterwards.
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I went to the 12wbt website today and tried to sign up but there isn’t another one this year. Does anyone on here recommend her Crunch Time book?
I’m so lazy it’s not funny. Completely unmotivated. No friends living close by to do exercise with. No gym near the house. Got my excuses all lined up!!
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Crunch time and losing the last 5 kilos. I strongly urge you to join up next year. It changes my life!
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Losing the last 5kg book is pretty much the same program but only 1 month (as opposed to the 12 week version).
She only does the 12wbt 4 times a year I think
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3 times. i did rd 3 2010, rd 1 & rd 2 2011. i would have done rd 3 2011 but decided to save my dollars for when i’ve had this baby and am back on the weight loss/tone up/get fit wagon!
it says ’12 weeks’ but it really is 16-17, as you are allowed access to the site once you’ve paid and signed up. the first 4 weeks are spent on the pre-season tasks which are crucial for the next 12 weeks. and then after the final week the site may or may not be left open for another week or 2. it was left open for a week and a bit at the end of rd 3 2010, but cos the end of round 1 overlaps with the beginning of rd 2 (and the same for rd 2 & 3) the previous round closes sooner. if that makes sense!
it is completely worth the money! not just for access to Michelle’s wisdom, but for the people you meet, mindset lessons, exercise programs and the recipes. OMG – some of my now-favourite meals are from the 12wbt! YUM!
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Yep – The food is fantastic!
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i LOVE the char-grilled beef with avocado salsa! yum yum yum!!!!!!
do u have her cookbook? my fave’s from there are the cajun chicken kebabs and the semi freddo dessert. yum again!
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Yeah I do. That beef dish is the BOMB. I put Mexican spices on it before I spray it with oil to cook it.
I also really love the chicken and yoghurt and had the Thai fish cakes tonight and they were great too.
The Mummy smoothie is great too – I make up a jug of it at night or early in the morning and leave it in the fridge as an all day snack to pick at. I use muesli instead of chia seeds in it. And strawberries instead of bananas every day. Yummy!
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Don’t know about crunch time, but Losing the last 5 kg is an awesome book. I did the 2nd 12wbt course and then bought the book. Have fallen off the wagon a few times, but having my notes, podcasts and this book keep me getting back on.
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The podcasts are great – I have them on my phone, and listen to them when I’m bored on the bus or at the shops, to reinforce the messages.
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Group fitness classes are great value, great way to keep fit. Whether you’re in the mood or not, just get yourself in the room, and before long you are being motivated by the instructor and those around you, there are variation throughout the class, and it’s not weather dependant either!
I was once the kind of person who didn’t exercise. Who bought a gym membership and didn’t use it. Now I am becoming a group fitness instructor myself!!
I think that the “zest for life/energy/enthusiasm” that Mia speaks of in Michelle Bridges, is a common trait in people who keep fit. I find that it’s the exercise that brings it about. I feel it in myself. Fit people are high on “happy hormones/endorphins”. That’s why we end up being called gym junkies, because we know exercise makes you feel great and gives you energy. So we want to spread the word, and probably come across as over zealous sometimes to the unconverted!
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Good for you! I love my group fitness instructors, they are all awesome and have made such an impact on my life.
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Thanks, Tripitaka (love your name)! Glad to hear! I hope to be able to make that difference also
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I’m another Michelle Bridges 12wbt convert. I didn’t watch biggest loser either but was interested in finding a program that made it super easy – food, meals, exercise all thought out for me. Her program is well executed and kudos to her for running a very professional business.
Mia, I think you and a reader should do the 12wbt next year and blog about it. I lost a kilo the first week by kind of sticking to the program (although not religiously). 6 days of exercise and 1200 calories is not for the unmotivated though
Michelle also said two other things that resonated with me. The 10 min rule and the layby rule. If you really don’t want to exercise, start for 10 mins if you still aren’t committed after 10 mins stop and forget about it for the day (bet you won’t!) and layby the food. If you want to eat it, wait a day and see if you still really want it.
The fact that Australia is one of the most obese countries in the world and the high incidence of Diabetes in our society should be a motivator for many (nurses will tell you smoking, diabetics and heart disease patients take up all the beds in hospitals). Evolution has shown we should be moving more and eating less than we already do and Michelle Bridges says eating healthier is the easiest way to lose weight (than eating crappy food and exercising like a demon!)
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1200 calories and exercise will send most people in starvation mode. It’s unrealistic restriction that most people can’t maintain, so the weight will come back on. MB isn’t a nutritionist/dietician and some of what she says is just plain wrong.
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michelle bridges may not be a nutritionist however she has employed nutritionists to work out the best meals/calorie intake for females and males, breast feeding mums and mums-to-be, those who are training to do marathons and the like as well as those who are simply looking to get fit and lose weight.
1200 calories is what she puts girls on who are wanting to lose weight.(it’s 1800 calories for the men) MB herself has said she is not on 1200. she is on 1300 or more (i can’t remember the exact amount) and she says that if she sees her weight start to creep up from her ‘ideal’ weight she’ll pull her calorie intake down until she is back at the weight she likes to see on the scales.
1200 calories is not hard to stick to at all. it, combined with the exercise, does not send the body in to starvation mode. often people find once they start the program and are filling their body with wholesome, nutritious food and exercising, they do not need the full 1200. this is because they (may) have been eating crappy, calorie-dense food for so long that the good food will fill them right up the way it is meant to.
once people are at their ideal weight MB says the stick to 1300-1500 calories a day. again, not hard to do. it is not an unrealistic restriction. unless you have tried it for yourself, i think it would be best to keep your un-tried opinions off cyberspace.
i do not know what MB has said that you think is plain wrong. how can someone who speaks about something she has not only studied, but also helped thousand of others in over the course of 20+ years be ‘so wrong’?
the people whose weight creeps back on? it means they have not stuck at it. it being the hard work which is eating healthy and exercise. cos, lets face it. it is sooooo much easier to eat ready-made food and sit on the couch and watch TV.
“if it came through your car window, it is not food.”
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I’m breastfeeding, and it was the first thing I asked them about when I was thinking about signing up (this was before the Huggies promo that I joined up under – the only kicker was I wanted a free copy of Crunch Time! LOL). They said straight up at least 500 cal a day more. No ifs or buts.
I’d love to know what she says that’s “plain wrong” too. Eat less shit and do exercise seems to cover what she says. What’s wrong with that?
Oh, yeah, there’s no way that 1200 cal a day is starvation. I’m probably not having the 500cal a day extra every day, and I have rarely felt hungry.
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The point isn’t that your body literally becomes starving on 1200 calories a day. Years ago, I restricted myself to 1100-1200 calories a day, but I was burning around 3000 calories. While I didn’t feel hungry either, it’s not good to starve your cells of nutrients. Your body will never function efficiently if it’s in such a large calorie deficit. As I said above, I continue to lose weight while eating 2200 calories a day, and I can get to 8 per cent body fat while eating at minimum 1500 calories a day.
A friend of mine is breastfeeding and only having about 900 calories a day. She looks terrible and has lost so much weight. It’s not healthy for your baby to starve yourself. If you’re still breastfeeding you probably shouldn’t be dieting at all, and I’m surprised Michelle even recommended that.
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I don’t know about what MB says but it seems clear to me from the comments that she doesn’t recommend 500 cal LESS when breastfeeding but 500 cals MORE – eg 1700 cals. All the (non diet) baby books say extra 500 as well so sounds about right.
1200 cals is definitely on the low side though, I reckon 1300 – 1500 is enough to lose weight at a healthy rate but MB advocates a 12 week swift weight loss approach. I don’t tend to agree with these as I think it’s too easy for people to just pile it back on afterwards but it certainly wouldn’t put your body into starvation mode.
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Where has anyone said it’s restricted to 900 cal – the eating plan is 3 300 cal meals a day for girls, plus 2 snacks of 150 to take you to 1200. Breastfeeding and pregnant women have to have an extra 500 cal on top of that. This is worked into the menu choices, so it says “Pan fried fish with Cherry tomatoes and wilted spinach – pregnant/breastfeeding add 1/2 avocado”.
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For some reason I can’t reply to either of your comments directly.
I don’t know how either of you interpreted my comment as meaning pregnant women need less calories!! The friend I was referring to ISN’T on Michelle’s 12WBT, she’s just following a very unhealthy diet in general.
Of course dropping your calories if you were breastfeeding would be crazy. I’m just saying you don’t necessarily have to go by hunger. If you have 800 calories a day you might not feel hungry at all, but your body will internally be starving its organs. You might feel satisfied eating 1500 calories a day while breastfeeding but it’s still not enough. You need to make sure you have that 500 extra calories extra as a bare minimum. If you’re eating healthy foods while breastfeeding, you should naturally lose weight anyway without having to “diet”.
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Um, we were pointing out that you seemed to have misunderstood the calorie count. Unsurprising.
Neither of us said that that was what you were saying.
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Ah this is so true! One day, I woke up and decided that I would go for a long run 4 times per week. I chose Monday night, Wednesday night, Friday and Saturday morning. Now, I just get up and do it.
I feel fantastic, am sleeping better and have so much more energy in my day. Not to mention that my legs are looking quite sexy.
If I start to have doubts over whether I should go for my run, I just shrug to myself and think “suck it up princess”.
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Hi Mia, which cardio machines do you use? I don’t have a problem with motivation; the benefits of exercise are motivation enough: clear head, less stress, and guilt free eating.
I have a treadmill, which I skip on, do side to sides, and running (sometimes with hand weights on). I do get bored with the same piece of equipment, so I’m intrigued to know what cardio machines you use.
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I have a Treadmill and an elliptical trainer…
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I just nt to know do u guys have breakfast before or after a morning workout. I am thinking to switch to the morning cause mid morning is not working with me anymore with 3 kids. In a stay at home mum….so don’t think I can juggle work and all. I even find it hard to make time as opposed to be motivated
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Hi Sallly, when I run, I normally head out around 5:30 and on a completely empty stomach except a bit of water. As long as you eat a substantial dinner the night before (make sure it includes carbs) you should be fine without eating first. A spoonful of honey (although I’m sure Michelle would shudder!) can help if you’re feeling a bit low on energy, but to mitigate the effect of it, I’d probably suggest limiting it to longer (ie +10km) runs.
Try and eat within an hour of finishing though; can’t remember the exact science but something to do with your metabolism panicking if you go too long afterwards without refueling.
This is what has worked for me, hope it helps.
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Hey Sally,
I find when I run without food I’m EXHAUSTED early in my run, so I have a handful of sliced ham or turkey or something before I get dressed. Prob 100g, I just seem to feel better with something in there and protein helps big time.
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Hi Sally, I’ve been told it’s best to just have a drink of water, as it kick starts your metabolism, then the exercise keeps it going, which makes it the perfect set up for when you eat your breakfast afterwards. As a personal preference I don’t like running after eating, I don’t like the feeling in my stomach!
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Thanks guys I will start off with nothing and see how I go.
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hi sally,
everyone is different. some people find they exercise first thing in the morning best on a completely empty stomach. others find maybe a banana or an apple or some sort of small piece of fruit is enough to get them thru their workout until breakfast time.
simply see what works best for you! there is no right or wrong answer. i personally know that if i do exercise around 6am, i need to do it on an empty stomach otherwise i end up with a stitch in my side and feel sluggish. whereas with the 9:30am gym classes i do, i have worked out i need to have my proper breakfast (cereal + fruit) at least 2 hours before hand, so 7:30am. that gives it enough time to digest so as i’m full of beans for the class!
good luck!
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At recruit school in the navy we did Early Morning Activity 3 mornings a week. That was pretty much straight out of bed, go to the loo and out on the parade group for PT, whether a run, circuits, whatever. The best thing about doing it in the morning is you’re on auto pilot, you just do it and then you realise you’re done.
We never had a chance to eat beforehand, only a drink of water. I don’t recall anyone having trouble.
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Is Michelle Bridges very tall? I know she is wearing heels but you both are and there is such a height difference! I had never thought of her as being tall.
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She was wearing sky scrapers and I was in boots but she’s still taller than me…
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I love your boots Mia!
Where are they from?
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Motivation is not the issue for me – its the time! I know people always say you can make the time if you really want to – but really…during the week its pretty impossible if I want to get my 8 hours sleep (i’m not getting up at 4.30am to exercise)! I have a 2 hr commute to work each way and a not quite 2 yr old to get organised and drop/pick up at daycare. I don’t get home until at least after 6.30pm – cook, eat and get kid into bed by 7 or 8pm. If I exercise after this time i’m either way too tired or am buzzing all night and can’t sleep. I work the absolute minimum hrs at work so can’t do a lunch time session either. How do other mums do it???!
I do exercise on weekend but really I think I need to do it more regularly then that..I”m am looking for jobs closer to home but not much out there at the moment ;-(
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Can you incorporate exercise into your day?
eg-Walking up stairs instead of using the lift, parking a bit further away, so it’s a 15 min walk morning and afternoon, lunch breaks (which I know you said you can’t do), maybe sit on a fit ball, make the most of any opportunities-walk fast around the office, etc
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Oops, that was me! It might be hard for you at tis point in your life, and while I’m sure there are other better ideas out there, at least you are aware, and doing things on the weekend.
Perhaps, if posible and safe, walking to and from daycare of a morning/night?
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That sounds tough! Do you have a partner? If so, get tough on them! Rearrange things so that they get the kids ready in the morning or do the kids dinner/bed a couple of nights so that you can exercise. It that doesn’t work, I’d recommend getting up at 4:30am! (I have to get up about 5 most days.) You’ll end up going to bed a bit earlier but will only miss out on crappy tv anyway. It’ll be worth it.
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My friend decided to get healthy, and she made bath and bed time with Daddy not negotiable, so he did those things with their son and while that was happening, she went off and exercised.
I get the feeling from a lot of the women doing the 12WBT that they have less than supportive partners, who are going to make life difficult for them, food and exercise time wise.
Like Fiona suggests, get up at 4.30. I’m no morning person, but I used to work 5am – 2pm, and I loved it. Partly because when you’re up that early and doing stuff, you’re kind of on autopilot – once you get into a routine, you get to 9 in the morning without realising (I say 9 because that was our morning tea break – everyone else started at 7.30).
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Thanks for all the ideas, will definitely try them I think as getting desperate! Now weather bit warmer might not be so bad getting up earlier. Will try get more help from Other half too!
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I really agree with this. I have a tendency to overthink everything. With exercise, once I start ‘thinking’ about doing it, I probably won’t! I’ve just started a beginner running program, and the best way is to just do it.
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I’m a shocker for the overthinking – I have dodgy ankles so I worry about running, so I don’t do it. I got the Couch to 5K app for my phone and decided to just do it the other day, and was fine. It was great!
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How great is the app? Makes it much easier to just tune out and run, rather than checking how long you’ve been running and being sneaky with it!
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Yeah, and you know the next “ding – walk” is coming, so you know you’re not going on forever. I really like it. I made a playlist of good kind of fast songs on my computer and transferred it on to my phone – It’s working through them alphabetically.
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Couldn’t agree more. When it comes to the gym I plan out which classes I want to do each day a fortnight at a time. I know I won’t make all of them because they’ll be days I’ll talk myself out of it or there’s something else on. Come day three without going, the day I call ‘non-negotiable,’ I go because it’s non-negotiable. And I’ve never regretted going to the gym on a negotiable or non-negotiable day. But there are times when the motivation to do so could be very easily sunk in one sip of a crisp sauv blanc.
Same goes with writing. Nothing like a creative writing thesis deadline to make words happen. It’s a form of motivation, especially when inspiration is sorely lacking.
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This is a great article which fits in with my exercise and writing mantra at the moment.
Although I have never been a Michelle Bridges fan as such (I do not watch The Biggest Loser), I think her advice regarding motivation and exercise is brilliant. Make it a part of life, rather than merely ‘promising’ to make it a part of your life. These promises are merely procrastination.
I exercise most afternoons however not religiously. I will never put the gym before friends, as I place more value on social heath than physical health, however I do incorporate exercise and/or preparing a healthy meal into some of these catch-ups, which I see as a win-win. Friends and healthy living at the same time? Perfect.
The byproduct of this attitude is that I may not be as toned as possible, however I am still a heathy weight and am never insecure about how I look. The people that have amazing bodies deserve them to be appreciated as they obviously do put a lot more effort in.
In terms of writing I am a wannabe writer. I have had pieces published here and there, however nothing constant and regular. I know that if I do ever want something to eventuate from this desire I do have to actually write! And although I feel it is very cliche, I have begun to do something about this by writing a blog. Merely musings at the moment, however I am hoping it will let me practice my ‘art’ and in time will lead me in the writing direction that (1) I enjoy and (2) I am good at. I would rather attempt to become a writer and fail than never attempt and regret. And I think in this day and age the majority of new writers would be beginning by taking these exact same steps. It is the logical first step taken in an effort to build a writing career, in the same way trades are begun by originally completing apprenticeships.
At the end of the day nothing is ever going to be achieved from doing nothing!
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I actually like excercising but I find the hardest thing is motivating myself to get out and do it but once I”m actually doing it I quite enjoy it! Michelle is right, stop makign excuses and just do it!! I am a member of a gym but I do a mix of different excercises: sometimes i jog, sometimesI do pilates, sometimes I do kickboxing (I did taekwondo as teen), sometimes I use the cross-trainer etc.
I am SO impressed that everyone here excercises in the morning! On the weekends I’ll excercise in the late morning but I’ve never been someone who can excercise before work…I know, I know, the mantra is just do it BUT I hate getting up early and have enough trouble dragging my ass outta bed at 7.20 to go to work let alone getting up at 5.30am!! Hence I always excercise in the evenings/at night. I love going to the gym at 9.30pm when it’s dark and almost empty. But for those who do excercise in the morning, good on ya!! Maybe one day…..
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I dont need to motivate myself to exercise, I have actually found a routine which i can do 6 days a week (three of cardio, three of strength) which incorporate exercises and methods which I actually do love! I look forward to my exercise, so i guess I differ greatly. i found this chick on youtube – Cassey Ho, who does Pop Pilates – AMAZING. its hard NOT to look forward to working out with her – even if her routines make you cry out in pain. I love running as well. its a great way to get rid of a bad mood and anger. and for me there is nothing like mastering an exercise. i just mastered a good form pushup after trying for 10 years. THAT is seriously motivation enough. I like to feel my body changing. I have been working on my upper body strength as I had none. Now I get a surge of pride whenever people comment on the definition in my guns! I get bored if i dont change my routine every month. I might do zumba for a month (great for a laugh!), or Jillian Michaels (cardio kickbox ftw). my only constants are pop pilates (though cassey has enough vids that you can rotate!)running, and Yoga!
I honestly believe the difference IS in finding a form of exercise that you love and look forward too. It worked for me.
I must admit though, my motto i live by is Just Do It (as trite as it sounds), because i firmly believe no-one is going to motivate you to get off your own butt. So instead of telling them you are going to be awesome, you should just Be Awesome.
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