Falling off the Exercise Wagon
If you are looking for an excuse to fall off the exercise wagon, it's easy to find one. The sad truth is that nearly everyone who started off 2014 with strong fitness goals has by now given up. I sincerely hope this is not you.
This is the cycle that happens when you fall off the exercise wagon, and here's how to pick yourself back up:
Your fall could take place in a single moment or it could be the result of a drawn out process. You may fall out of exercise slowly as a result of health problems or other various life issues that spring up and monopolize your time. Illness, vacations, holidays, changes at work or any other change in your schedule are all things that will get you off the wagon. Once you're off the real damage begins.
2. Surrender There comes a point where you simply throw your hands up in the air and give in. It may be a dramatic moment when you decide to eat anything you want, or when you begin to use food for comfort and to ease stress. Surrender is the most destructive part of the cycle. You remove all expectations from yourself and as a result you plummet into an unhealthy realm. The progress you've made toward your goals is lost and even more weight is gained.
3. The Bottom Inevitably there comes the moment when you hit bottom. Your body shows the new weight gain and you feel awful about it. Negative, defeated thoughts run through your mind. While hitting bottom is never a fun experience, it is a necessary one. The pain must become great enough for you to turn it around and take control.
4. Take Control When you hit bottom you were out of control; now you're ready to put yourself back on your priority list. This is when you set healthy guidelines for your diet and get back into a regular schedule of working out.
Set specific goals for yourself that are realistic and within a set timeframe. Now get to work, reclaiming your body, your freedom and your life.
Remember, life will always give you an excuse to stop working towards your goals - it's up to you to fight back for what you truly want. You can start with this healthy and delicious recipe for gluten-free pancakes.
