Monday, September 15, 2008

Triumphing over laziness...and magic trousers


I had a debate in my head all afternoon over going to the gym (a debate I have before nearly every gym visit). Today I was tired and I didn't feel like going, but I decided to suck it up and just go.

...Oh, but I'm too tired. I won't go today. Nup. I'll go tomorrow. All righty. That's sorted.

And then when 5.30 rolled around I turned off my computer and went to the gym! I did a full work out, got sweaty and then walked home feeling pleased with myself for getting the better of my laziness.

Magic trousers

I wore a new pair of black trousers to work today. It's like they were cut especially for me, they fit so well. And comfy! It's funny how a flattering, well fitting garment can give you a little boost.

I think they will be my new Monday Trousers. I like to wear my favourite trousers on Mondays, as if it will ease the Mondayitis somehow.


What do you have ongoing debates in your head over? Why doesn't the feeling of triumph when you do the right thing put an end to the debate for good? What clothes give you a boost?

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey there Glee Girl. I used to have that exact same gym debate in my head every time I was due to go. Now I have children and all debate is gone - I just don't go! And now the debate in my head is whether I shout walk to the shops pushing my chubby little girl in her pushchair or just jump in the car. I must admit I do usually walk - once a gym bunny always a gym bunny!
Many thanks for visiting. Great to 'meet' you!

Anonymous said...

Ongoing debate - running. I train for a race in the Spring, run it..then quit. Then I continually argue with myself about getting back out there and running again. Running is a love/hate thing. I have days when I run like the wind and feel fantastic. Other days I can barely put one foot in front of the other. I think that is the reason for the ongoing internal debate. Running is not guaranteed enjoyment.

As for clothes, in the last several years I have adopted a shopping rule. I will only buy an article of clothing if I put it on and say "Wow, I look hot!" Not, "it's okay", or "not bad". I absolutely have to feel HOT. That way I know I will wear it often and with great enjoyment.

patti said...

it's usually whether to have the apple & banana muffin or not. the muffin usually wins!

I know what you mean about clothes that fit well and therefore make you feel fantastic. good idea wearing those pants on a monday.

Anonymous said...

Yay! I'm not the only one who gets a secret boost from clothes! Comfortable, great-fitting jeans take me a long way, as do the right colors. After all these years, I finally figured out that when I wear deep blues and grays, I love what I see in the mirror. Instant boost!

My big debate is getting myself to stop what I'm doing and go to bed on time. "I'll just visit one more site," or, "I'll just read one more chapter," usually win out. :)

Katrina said...

I like comfortable underwear. I couldn't give a fig if they aren't sexy. I like nice soft comfy cotton undies.

Same thing with bras....I like well fitting bras.

Once the foundation is set then I feel more comfortable in anything I put over it.

Anonymous said...

I think it is a matter if the kind of work-out you choose really agrees with your mind & body, and make it a routine.
I joined a fitness club (more than once)for a while. I debated within myself every time, no matter how good it felt afterwards. I just couldn't stick to it.
Jogging was more my kind of activity, but I had to make it a routine, to make the debate in my head disappear.

Jayne said...

Oh, so that's how I stop the debate....have children! Hmmmm...

Walking to the shops with your daughter hopefully turns a mundane errand into something more enjoyable too - you see more when you walk.

And thank you!

Jayne said...

@ Urban Panther. Seems lots of people have an ongoing debate about exercise, but I'm impressed that you train for and complete a race every spring. I suppose it's easier to motivate yourself when you have a set goal ahead of you to be ready for.

I have the same love/hate relationship with running - I also have times when I feel so fit and energetic, like I could run and run and run, but sadly probably more days when I lumber along like a sumo wrestler.

I have a similar shopping rule too - if I don't love it, if it's almost right, but not perfect, then I don't buy it. This rule was borne out of wasting too much money over the years on clothes that were hardly worn. In the same way that something that fits perfectly and flatters your figure can give you a boost, something that's just a little bit tight or short or doesn't sit right can be a bit of a downer.

Jayne said...

@ Patti Yep, muffins are very persuasive. The "to eat or not to eat" debates rages in my head also.

@ Sara at on simplicity. Hello and welcome. Learning what suits you and working the hell out of it is great for the confidence. I also love a comfy, well fitting pair of jeans (I own far too may pairs). I would wear jeans everywhere all year round if it were possible.

@ Mrs Blueballs. I'm a comfy cotton knickers chick too. Life is too short to put up with a wedgie. I used to have a favourite pair of comfy cotton hipster boylegs that I wore to work every Monday but I wore them practically to shreds. Now when I find undies that are super comfy, I buy multiple pairs.

@ Meri. Very true...better to do something you enjoy if you want to stick at it and getting into a routine is essential for me also. For about 7 years I was a regular three-times-a-week gym goer and I used to go on the same days of the week, but for the past 2 years I've struggled to maintain the routine. I know I can do it if I put my mind to it.

Once I get to the gym, I'm fine - I push myself and do my full program. It's just getting there that I have trouble with.

Robin said...

My daughter's preschool shares a parking lot with my gym... It somehow seems like more effort to go home and have to come back in three hours. Plus, gym time is when I get my reading in. If I went home I'd find other things to do.

The other ongoing debate in my mind is, get up early and seize the day... or stay in my nice comfy bed until the last possible second? It's a 50/50 result.

I get a boost not so much from my clothes, but from my shoes. I love the confidence that emanates from three inch heels, or the swagger that comes naturally when walking in cowbot boots.