Today I wore my weekly all-black outfit. I wasn’t feeling inspired this morning to throw together a colorful ensemble, so black it was. I also incorporated my new J. Crew studded belt that I got on sale for $9.99:
Tee- Victoria’s Secret
Cardigan- Charlotte Russe
Pencil Skirt- Banana Republic
Shoes- Michael Kors
Belt- J. Crew
Necklace- Forever 21
Ok, now time for a health and fitness related confession. I seriously have not worked out in months and all I eat is sugar.
OK…the last part isn’t 100% true. I eat normal and healthy food throughout the day, but when I get home from work I BINGE on sweets. “Moderation” is not a concept I’ve been understanding lately. In fact, as I type this I am eating Pepperidge Farm Creme Filled Pirouette Rolled Wafers (chocolate hazelnut.) CURSE THESE WAFERS! THEY ARE SO GOOD. I just have NO self control. I even ate the wafers for dinner the other night..FOR DINNER!!!!!!! (who does that!?)
I don’t know what is causing me to eat so much (especially sugar) but it’s NOT good (no, I’m not pregnant).
I also haven’t been motivated to work out lately. The last workouts I did were the Bikram Yoga classes a month ago and since then I haven’t done anything. I need to get back into the swing of things. I just got lazy and stopped making my health and fitness a priority. I’m less stressed when I work out, I feel better, I look better. Blah.
Every.single.week. I tell myself “I’m going to start working out this week” and every single week I never get in that car to drive to the pilates studio and I never go to our guest room to do a workout video. I’ve even tried to convince myself to do the 20-minute “30 Day Shred” videos and I can’t even get off my butt to do those.
I just feel horrible about this right now. I feel like I was SO on track and so fit before we went on our honeymoon. I was working out 3-4 days a week on average and I felt awesome. For me, it’s not so much how I look, because I tend to maintain my weight within a few pounds regardless of how much I work out…it’s how I FEEL. I just feel sluggish, tired, lazy, unmotivated. ICK. Not good.
Tell me lovely readers, what do you do to get out of a fitness rut? All advice appreciated.
xoxo,
Veronika.
To get out of my ruts, what I usually go is go on health food websites like fitsugar.com) so that I get motivated! Then I tell my self, I will feel SO much better after doing it. And don't even think about, "just do it"! The more you think about it the more lazy you will feel!
I think sometimes it's ok to go through a rut because it makes you realize that's not how you want to live. It provides me with the motivation to get up and just get started even if it's just a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood. It's easy to talk yourself out of a really involved, hard workout, but it's hard to justify why you can't make time for a 30 minute walk. Then as you begin to feel better you can step it up and do more involved workouts.
I have been in a rut with working out too! I have been so stressed studying for the CPA exam and I know working out would make me feel so much better, but I am seriously lacking in my motivation. I need to do or find something to kick start myself into working out!
Hey V!
I find it helps to crack out a good ol'agenda LJA styles. Write everything you plan on doing down, and at the end of each week, write a 'bribe', or rather prize. So you'd plan for the week ahead, say M/W/F do a class, go on a run or whatever. If by the end of the week, you mark all of them off as being done, then the prize is yours (you also mark this ahead of time as a way of motivating yourself). If the tasks don't get complete, no prize… Once you get back into the groove, then it's easier to do. At the same time, try to work in something easy so that you're at least doing *something* – I recommend two sun salutations in the morning. Super easy to do, less than three minutes and really focus in on the breathing, and try to think of things that you're greatful for… that puts me in a good mood 9/10 times, and makes me want to do more later…
xo
K
Dude – I so feel you on this! I've been really good about running, but as far as eating healthy and trying to incorporate some strength training, it's a big fat FAIL. I agree with what the pp said, reading healthy eating blogs helps (oh she glows, and fitnessista are my faves). What keeps me motivated to keep up with my running is the fact that I'm training for a race and I joined a running group, so I guess it's the whole feeling accountable thing that gets me off my butt to at least do something.
p.s. I ate pita chips and mentos for dinner the other night….
megan- can you post the URL's of those blogs in these comments? thank you 🙂
Kasia – I love your recommendation.
V, don't beat yourself up, just go to a class that you love and I think the feeling you will get after it will be your motivation. Good luck and super cute outfit!
Haha, duh! Here you go:
https://ohsheglows.com/
https://fitnessista.com/
Love those MK shoes and that belt! I got the same one (the belt), but it was $19.99 🙁 $9.99 is a fantastic price! Super cute.
I have actually been doing so good with working out lately which is unusual for me, lol! I love Jackie Warner's DVD and Mari Winsor Pilates DVD and the Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown. I am alternating between all 3 so I don't get bored. And I do it first thing in the morning, before anything else. That way, it's out of the way and over with.
It's really all about creating a habit more than anything else. Good luck! I know you will get back in the groove soon and you still look fantastic in the meantime 😉
kasia- great tips- i should NOT shop unless i've met my fitness goals!!!
meghan- thanks for the links 🙂
andi- great advice! i dont know if i can wake up earlier because I love to get my 8 hours…but honestly, it seems like it would be kind of worth it just to have it out of my way and done.
Hey V!
What I did to make sure I work out is to remove all other options… I took my car off of insurance so that I have to bike to work. It's only 5k each way so it is completely attainable, it ensures that I can't give any excuses and I get a 25 minute workout every work day.
Another thing that I do is to make fitness dates… I meet up with a friend or matt once a week specifically to exercise: we go rollerblading or swimming or for a run and then go get coffee or a lunch and catch up, that way I actually look forward to it, and it makes it much easier to actually go through with it
Jamie- you are so motivated! 🙂 I can't bike to work (way too hot here and I don't have a bike) but i love your idea of making workouts fun and meeting up with a friend to work out. I used to do that and I don't anymore…need to get back to that!
eeeekkk! I'm the same way! I just blogged about this same thing about a month ago… I have yet to find a way to motivate myself, so I really can't offer you any advice. However, your nail polish is fabulous – what color is it?
lindsay- it's essie's "wicked" I LOVE it! it's a dupe for OPI's "we'll always have paris" best dark color ever!
Oh goodness, V. If you only knew what I do… last night, I had a massive cupcake for dinner. And I NEVER work out. Haven't in years. But I'm starting to pay for it… the tummy pooch is getting out of control so I've been trying to do situps lately. Ugh. haha 🙂
justine- bless your heart. the next time i'm in Dallas, it's you, me and cupcakes. I love cupcakes more than anything.
LOL reading this post makes me laugh and relate!!
I love those things!! Like Piroulines?! YUMMMM!
Hmmm, to get out of the rut? Well… just don't make it like you HAVE to go 3 – 4 times a week. Just go once and then re-assess.
🙂
A.Co @ A.Co est. 1984
1–I'm gonna start a weekly all black outfit!
2–I got sick and quit working out. It shows. And then a month later, sick again, but as soon as I'm over it, I'm back on the wagon!!!
I go to Whole Foods. Just seeing all the healthy and delicious food makes me want to just be healthier overall and get back into shape. I usually clean out the fridge and pantry and stock up on nothing but healthy foods. If you don't keep bad things in the house, you won't be tempted. 🙂
I have a hard time motivating myself too. Thankfully I just started a new job, and we have a great gym that is $20 a month including classes. It will be much easier to work out if I can do it before I leave the office.
Aww girl! We've all been there with exercise ruts. Don't beat yourself up. I often find that if I can go just one or do a short workout video I get my motivation back in no time. Maybe even if you work out during commercials while you watch tv, I know it sounds corny, but you can get a lot of crunches/lunges/jumping jacks in during those 3 minute slots. It's not a great workout by any means whatsoever, but it does help me feel better. Good luck!
Train for a RACE!! It's super addicting. I started with 5ks, 10ks, and now hubby and I are training for a half marathon.
I've been in a major rut. Trying to get out and get in better shape for our river trip 3 weeks from now. I am taking it day by day. Tay has been tempting but I resisted the urge and even plan on working out tonight. I agree though that it's so hard. We even justify eastig unhealthy…
Aww Veronika, I'm almost positive you can get re-motivated! As shallow as it sounds, sometimes the mere thought of knowing it's bikini season is enough to get me moving. But I also know exactly what you mean about working out and feeling good. Maybe you should schedule a day and tell yourself "I'm going to work out" so you have your mind set to doing that. I only use workout tapes and they're so much fun!
To keep me motivated with my work outs, I am only allowed to treat myself to a pedi & mani if I have done two full weeks (mon-fri) of working out! I love my pedi's so it keeps me going! LOL
Love your style Veronkia – I want to check out Charlotte Russe – I don't think we have any in Canada – but it's a store I've heard about on a lot of blogs.
For the work-out rut – here's what works for me: I choose 2 days a week to work out (Mondays and Fridays) and I plan those days so that I have minimal outings/commitments. As soon as I can, I change in to my workout clothes…that way – I only have to take the elevator down to the gym (in my building). Oh – and if I'm feeling tired – I tell myself I'll only run for 10-15 minutes – but I usually end up staying for a 30 minute session.
When we move into a house – the first thing I'm getting is a gym-quality treadmill. I love using that and the elliptical trainer…on lazy days, I crank up the incline and just walk slowly – still a calorie burner but not intensive 🙂
Hey Veronika!
First off, glad to see no negativity in this posting from "anons" haha. Second, I am SOOO in a fitness rut right now. All through out HS and college I was running like 3-4x a week (did track and XC in HS). now, you couldn't DRAGGGGG me to the gym! it is so horrible. so anyway, i am hoping the rut ends soon. in the mean time… so try to help myself a little.. i try to buy healthy stuff. it doesn't always work out because i end up craving something sweet and end up running to the store to buy unhealthy sweet things. i am so horrible; everytime i get done with a meal, i have to eat something sweet! bad habits picked up as a kid i guess..
anyway, i have no advice on the fitness rut. honestly, i think its just part of human nature. i do it for enjoyment and to feel better about myself; i think only the people that are obsessed with working out keep a routine all year long. i don't super easily gain weight, so i TRY not to feel too guilty when i indulge.
when i feel like i need exercise, i ask the bf to go for long walks : )
have a good thursday : )
– rebecca
I hear you on the work-out rut. To get me started again, I try to go on a weekend hike or something with my husband. Once I get the endorphins running, it makes me realize how much I love it.
xo
M
I'm no help, b/c I hate working out and don't miss it at all. When I have worked out in the past, I just felt sore and like I've wasted an hour of my life in the torture chamber that I could have spent doing something I enjoy, like eating Pirouette cookies. I even blogged about it a while back, and how my husband is a total meathead compared to me.
I will play Dance Dance Revolution on the XBox all day though.
You got some really good advice already I see. I definitely agree that it's healthy to once in a while go through a rut to make you realize and appreciate what working out really does for you.
For me it's really motivating to read health and fitness blogs of regular women 🙂
Good luck! Don't stress it, because you'll be out of that rut soon, I am 100% sure! 🙂
Oh, and you look gorgeous in your black outfit ♥
weird I left a comment but it didn't show up!
Thank you for the sweet complement on my blog. Funny because I am jealous of you haha!
I find in the summer when I stock up on lost of fruits and veggies and have bowls of the around (like bowls of berries I always have a bunch of those around) I will reach for that before opening the pantry (where all the bad stuff in).
A fun playlist, new workout clothes and a gym partner are all things that get me to the gym even when i don't feel like going.
My workout ruts happen in the winter when it's dark out after work, that is when I have zero motivation to work out, so i feel you.
hey girl! don't beat yourself up. you're still maintaining your body weight so nothing's getting out of proportion. but we lead busy lives – between work, home life, social callings, etc. it's okay every now and then to fall off the bandwagon and just "be" for awhile. i think it's worse when you beat yourself up about it so much. that makes you feel more guilty. instead, just look back and know you've enjoyed the down time and find a way to get back on your workout system once you're refreshed and rested. staying positive is worth more than anything, in my opinion, and when we constantly rack ourselves with guilt for "failing" we don't appreciate the successes as much. you can do it!
Dear Veronika, Please stop making my ego so big! Also if you could stop being so gorgeous as well that would be nice too! Love emily lol. Thanks for the sweet comment!
As for a workout rut, I've come to believe that you just have to wait them out. If I'm not really feeling working out and then i force myself to do it before I'm in the right mindset it just causes me to want to do it even less, and prolongs the 'rut'. That being said I thankfully work a physical job in the summer, so I consider that my working out. . . not sure if I should, but I do. I think once the summer is over I need to give myself some monetary motivation, like every time I work out for 30 minutes I get 3$ to add to my shopping money! That's incentive right?!
Oh my gosh, the other day I went to the grocery store just to by a bag of all dressed chips. I then ate the whole thing in one sitting, and I'm not talking about one of the little bags. I definitely feel your pain with the self control issue!
I am just getting out of a rut! I used to be super work-out girl (for me at least). I used to run 45-60 minutes a day and or do say weights. I'm getting out of it by doing the 30 days shred every other day. The first set of reps on it I do with light weights. The second set I do with no weights. Otherwise I would be too sore to do it every other day. I am trying to go to Zumba classes twice a week along with that. Good luck getting out of your rut. Any workout buddies around to help motivate you?
Oh and buy a cute workout outfit or two!!!
I love the OOTD picture! You wear black so well. I've been in workout ruts before and I've found that reading healthy living blogs and writing down my workouts helps keep me accountable. I have a monthly planner that I use to write my workouts in and looking at it really motivates me- I don't want to see too many blank white spaces! I love running and yoga and am training for a race, which is a great motivator. Perhaps you can create some sort of challenge for yourself- pilates or bikram inspired (ie, ten classes in 30 days, be able to get through a pose you were previously unable to..), and reward yourself with something at the end of the challenge to keep up the motivation.
I feel your pain about being in a "rut", I haven't worked out regularly since the winter:( However, I just started the 30 Day Shred and I love it! It really kicks your butt, it's a short but INTENSE workout.
The thing that has motivated me the most is the fact that my husband and I are going to try and conceive next summer. My gynecologist told me that at this stage in my life it's really important to be in optimal health for me and our future baby. According to her, being in good shape will help me conceive faster and have an easier pregnancy. It will also help in losing the baby weight (and not gaining so much in the first place!).
Julie- that is great motivation. We want to TTC in the next couple of years as well!
thank you everyone for your awesome advice and comments! glad to know i'm not alone 😉
I think the occasional rut is totally normal, don't beat yourself up about it! For me, the first step is to start small, but set a schedule, ie- I will do go to yoga tuesday and thursday this week and go for a run wed and saturday. Once I spell it out for myself and plan it in I usually manage to stick to that I add a little more gradually till I'm back to what is normal for me. It also helps to remind myself just how great I feel just after a good yoga session or run.
Stand up straight and put your feet together. 🙂
LOL!!!
Can you do it just one time? Pretty please?
Just one time. Pretty please?
I struggle to workout, I just can't seem to find the time- I think it's because I don't have a workout that I love so I don't make time for it. I have the healthy eating thing down for the most part and so I am now at my target weight for my height (we are going to start TTC in the next few months so I don't want to lose too much, I am where my Dr told me I should be) but I feel like I am fluffy…not as much muscle as I had about 5 years ago (when I was working out everyday). I am glad you posted this, it's nice to hear that other's struggle and I am looking forward to checking out the blogs the PP listed. Great post, keep up the wonderful work!
Your shoes are really cute! And black is always slimming, so you don't really have to work out after all. I always feel so accomplished and destressed after I work out, but I never have the motivation to actually get up, change, and go running. One of the best motivations for me to hit the gym is a great playlist (usually loaded with club-type hip hop songs and lady gaga) and a good magazine. Try those! Honestly, if you really wanted to work out, you would do it. Your body most likely just wants a break.
i'm right there with you. my rut started on our honeymoon – no fitness centers or even any safe places to run, plus delicious fattening food all day for two weeks. i told myself i'd get back on the wagon when we got home. well, we've been back for a month and it hasn't happened yet. literally no exercise and not eating well for a month and a half. plus, we're trying to get pregnant and i've convinced myself that running will hurt our chances ( i had a m/c last december). bleh. i need to at least start a walking program but i can't find the motivation. no.good.
i usually motivate myself in a variety of ways:
changing up my ipod playlist, buying new workout clothes, buying new exercise dvds, running a new route, etc. however, these motivational tools only work for me if i really want to get back on track.
i hope you find your motivation. btw, you still look fantastic 🙂
Im the same, I always crave sugar! So what I do now is, instead of reaching for the cookie box or the left over slice of pie, I go to the grocery store and buy HEALTHY sweet foods… like melon pieces and strawberries and raspberries etc. Sometimes you can even get a little assorted fruit platter in a plastic container. Then when I get my sugar cravings, I just enjoy the natural sugars in the fruit! 🙂 Yogurt's also good for when you want something sweet, they have so many flavors and stuff now. Just make sure you don't get one too high in sugar/calories and you'll be ok 🙂
I have nothing to add to the fitness motivation, because I sure as hell don't have any either! haha!
but that new belt looks lovely! 🙂
Honestly, you can't look for motivation when you are trying to get back into a fitness routine, it just doesn't happen. I have been an on again/off again gym whore for the past 10 years. No "motivation" has ever gotten me off of my butt when I don't want to go. I find that the easiest thing to do is to just get in the car and go to the gym when I first wake up in the morning. It's too early to think,so I can't find reasons to talk myself out of it. Just put your gym clothes out the night before and you won't have any excuses. 🙂
haha, maybe what's you need is to have a baby soon. i started to go to gym regularly after i gave birth. not have to go to work 9to5 every day provides a lot of free time for a nice fitness routine.
but, you are not fat!
https://conservative-elegant.blogspot.com/
thanks everyone for the awesome ideas 🙂
julia- don't worry, I know I'm not fat,, just out of shape and out of energy!
anon- I eat tons of fruit for the same reason- natural sugars!
re: Ella Pretty
Charlotte Russe has a website and they are having a great sale right now. I just ordered a bunch of cute tops that were 40% off!
You don't motivation when you're as hot as you are Veronika!
xoxo
maja