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Monday, January 5, 2009

A Return to Routine

Happy 2009, Everyone!

Sigh (heavy, but happy). I'm glad this "vacation" is over because, while it was quite nice, it was also extremely, almost constantly busy. This, I realize, is a mundane way of stating the truth, but it's a testament to how tired I am that I don't even want to try to think of a more creative way to express it. I'm just relieved to be back to normal--however relative that term may be.

Anyway, I went to the gym yesterday. I'm a regular there, which is not nearly as virtuous as it sounds. It's a small place and I know most of the staff, so I chat as much as I workout. Nevertheless, I do make an appearance several times per week and believe in benefits of cardio--a belief which almost equals my belief in the benefits of smooth dark chocolate. Well, or milk/white/fruit-and-nut-filled/whatever-other-kind of chocolate...

But I digress.

The gym was, not surprisingly, packed. And I knew it would be. I see it happen every year and always end up making bets with the staff as to when we'll be back to our usual (low) capacity. (See? I told you I spend a lot of time talking.) We agreed the majority of non-regulars would fizzle out by Superbowl Sunday. And while part of me acted a bit smug about the whole thing, the rest of me was sad. I want these people to reach their fitness goals. I want to reach mine (which are really more dietary than exercise-based--I've got that elliptical down). But true change takes so much more than merely "wanting," doesn't it? True change, at least in my experience, involves tolerating the temporary discomfort of doing something differently until the new way can be given a shot at becoming routine.

So, how much do I really want to tolerate the discomfort of a not-yet habit? And for how long? That's what I've been asking myself all morning.

9 comments:

Maureen McGowan said...

I'm glad to get back to my routine today, too. I'm planning gym time at about 2:00. Hoping the other resolutionists will be at work.

Anonymous said...

Someone once told me it takes 21 days to change a habit. I can't personally vouch for that since I've never made it that long (darn it!), but I did start out today planning to eat better and exercise more too, so maybe this time I'll get to that three week mark.

Happy exercising!

Marilyn Brant said...

Maureen~if your gym is anything like mine, you're probably safe until 4:30/5pm :).

Robin~I've heard that about the 21 days, too! In my case, I know I've got a page-long checklist of new and healthier behaviors to follow :-). They'd probably turn out better if I attempted them one at a time...

lainey bancroft said...

Happy New Year, Marilyn!

And yes, I'm with you on feeling sad for all those pie-in-the-sky hopefulls that join the gym every January. I take the lane of least resistance and tell myself if I can exercise everyday for a month I deserve a gym membership. So far I mostly exercise about every thirty days, which means I've never committed to a gym. Think of all the months of gym membership dues I've saved!

L.A. Mitchell said...

I, too, am glad to sink back into my routine and giving myself permission to be creative. Yeah on you for being a gym regular, M:)

Marilyn Brant said...

Lainey~LOL!! I have a husband and son who LOVE working out--so they drag me there. Truly, if it weren't for them, I'd be on the one-day-a-month schedule, too!

L.A.~Thanks. Hope the New Year brings only good things :).

Asil said...

Hi Marilyn!

This is the nice thing about having a Nordic Trac in my house - the crowds are always the same, me, myself, and I! And that's the way I like it!

Loved your Christmas card, and the magnet enclosed is on my fridge.

Have a great week, and may your elliptical machine always run smoothly! :0)

Lisa, from your past!

Marilyn Brant said...

Lisa!!!!
Always wonderful to hear from you! I love the photo with all the kiddies and the great letter--thank you :). Plus, I just realized you had a blog. Off to visit now!

Asil said...

Hey Marilyn!

I just started blogging - what a neat way to share pictures and stories with grandparents who have left us for warmer climates! Thanks for checking in - I just put several new pictures of the kids on yesterday, and have more to do when I can find time.

Have a great weekend!!

Lisa