Susan Arruda

April Workout Card

Weight are optional! Can easily be done as a no equipment, bands workouts, or using household items on hand for resistance.

When You Don’t “Feel” Like Training – Susan Arruda

Training doesn’t always come easy, but one thing’s for sure; feelings have no place in your exercise regime!

Susan Arruda is in her mid 40's and is a mother of 2. She has been training naturally for over 30 years.
Susan Arruda is in her mid 40’s and is a mother of 2. She has been training naturally for over 30 years.

Feelings are unreliable! They are fickle and can fluctuate dramatically from one day to the next, and even one moment to the next. 

Your feelings should have absolutely no place in your exercise program! When we determine whether we train (or do most things, for that matter) based on whether we feel like it, the likelihood of you actually doing it and following through is slim, to none. Consistency, which is a huge component of success, will plummet drastically if we leave it up to our feelings.  Ask anyone who wakes up before the crack of dawn if they “feel” like training.  Most would preferably choose their warm bed to fighting fatigue and getting up earlier than the rest of the world to exercise. The difference is they have made the decision and commitment to a healthier, active lifestyle, which for many, entails getting their training in prior to their workday.  

Most, myself included, would definitely agree that the wonderful feeling and positive outcome that comes from getting it done and feeling better overall, is the primary motivating factor. You feel better, stronger, it helps you manage and control your weight, it enhances your mood; just to name a few of the many motivating, positive benefits. 

Deciding ahead of time, creating a plan of action and following through is vital for success in this healthy lifestyle journey. It doesn’t always have to be a long workout. Even 15 minutes done on a daily basis goes a long way to feeling and looking better and establishing healthy lifelong habits. 

A shift in thinking is required for those who “dread” their training. Perhaps you need to change your activity of choice. Be aware that dread is discouraging and it drains your energy and negatively affects your spirit.  

Change your thinking from, “I have to train,” to “I get to train.” Think of the many people confined to wheelchairs or who are sick in hospitals who cannot train because they do not have the choice or ability to do what you may be dreading. Resist discouragement and consider what you can do versus what you cannot do. Change your scene, change your activity, adjust your goals perhaps, but make the decision to enjoy the gift of movement and then, JUST DO IT!