My Un-routine Routine

I have a tough time sticking to a plan. Starting blogs, writing books, home improvements and workout plans have always ended soon after they began.

Over the past few months I started three different workout plans and failed to continue to execute those routines. Time and time again I found myself motivated to stick it out, but something always held me back.

I initially tried the ever rigorous P90X workout videos. I followed the tapes and felt great for about 3 weeks. And then I stopped.

My next venture was yoga. I was set on two days a week of an hour long session. I did about 1 month of the classes. I felt better both mentally and physically, as it was a great outlet for the stress I would tack on during the work week. But when life got in the way of actually doing the classes, I stopped.

Then I decided that it was time to get serious. I was going to create a fail proof workout routine that I would stick to and would want to do. I thought of fun exercises I could do while in front of the TV. I incorporated cardio, stretching, and plyometrics into the routine. And like my other plans I set out to follow, I failed.

I think the problem with the routines is just that. It was a ROUTINE. I knew that it had to be done. Maybe I’m prideful, but I don’t enjoy being told what to do. And that is my biggest downfall in the exercise world, and in life.

So, with that in mind, I am developing an un-routine, routine. My new goal is to get two to three days worth of exercise without actually exercising. Running with my dog at the park, playing volleyball on the beach, swimming with my friends and playing baseball are my new exercise outlets.

By making exercise fun, I will WANT to do it rather than HAVE to do it. If I don’t have a set schedule that I feel must be followed, I think that I can successfully maintain a weekly regiment of exercise that will make me look and feel better.

I am starting this weekend and I hope that I don’t update in a month’s time with yet another fail. Saturday is a beach day with friends which will include a few hours worth of cardio-boosting skimboarding. I don’t know what the rest of the week has in store, and that is why I think this time could be a success.