Going to the gym @ 20:00 is much harder than in the morning....it's true.
Especially in the seasons when the days get shorter.
But sometimes you don't have a choice.
A busy workday or 'reason X' prevents you from going earlier.
You have to go after dinner.
And it's that moment after you eat that's the hardest.
Your body and mind decide to collude against you.
'Let's sit on the couch, we are tired, it's ok to skip a session. Put your feet up. There is beer in the fridge!'
In these moments I taught myself to switch to autopilot. Don't think, don't feel, just do.
I take my bag with gym clothes put on a jacket, grab the keys and walk out the door.
Arriving at the gym walking through the dark cold weather I do wish I stayed home.
I swipe my gym card at the gate and get inside.
I put my stuff in a locker and walk to the exercise bike.
I start paddling.
My legs feel heavy. It will be the worst exercise ever.
But I tell myself, even the worst exercise is better than no exercise.
(I once heard someone say that and I never forgot. I took it to heart)
After 5 minutes I can feel a change in my mind and body. I feel more energy. I feel clearer.
I add extra resistance and paddle harder.
After 10 more minutes, I'm warmed up. I'm ready for leg day.
I do my exercises for the day and it's perfect. It feels good.
After everything is done I go to my locker and put on my jacket and walk out the door.
It's always a great moment.
I did it again! It's only a personal victory but it matters every time.
Coming home I take a shower. And now it's time to relax!
And for me, that's writing.
I did end up opening that beer halfway through though.
My mind told me I really deserved it and I went with it.
I'm not perfect by any means.
But o well..then I often think..who is? :)
