Fitting in Fitness
By: Dr. Courtney Meyet
The 2023 gravel cycling race season is about to begin and I reflect on the journey that brought me from barely being able to run a mile, to completing an IRONMAN (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run) 18 months later. Now I seek top podium honors in my cycling events, working daily to achieve these goals.
It is difficult to remember exactly how I used to feel before daily exercise was a part of my life, but the times when I am not moving my body, I realize how thankful I am to use this gift God has given me. But God has also given me family, friends, and career. Giving time to all these areas of life is demanding and there are only so many hours in a day. It can be challenging to carve the time out for fitness, especially as I am deeply afflicted by the snuggly-warm-bed syndrome that pulls with more force than gravity, keeping me from my most productive morning hours!
Perhaps you are like me, struggling to fit all you need (and want) to do within a day. Success in fitness, as in many other endeavors, requires consistency. First, you need to know what you want in your fitness journey. Second, you need to know why you want it. Third, you need to know how to achieve it. And last, you need to know when you will fit it in, and who will keep you accountable. This is an excellent opportunity for journaling and by doing so, you can revisit goals, thoughts, quotes, ideas, all which enhance and hone motivation.
1. What do you want in your fitness? Make a list that is unique to you. Do you plan to run a 5K? Hike to the top of a mountain? Earn a belt in martial arts?
2. Why do you want this? Seems a silly question at first, but the reasons may not always be easy at first. Perhaps it is solely to be healthy. But maybe it is a way to connect with others, remember a loved one, bring awareness to an issue. Each person has a special why. The deeper that why, the more motivated you will be to pursue it, especially if it is outside of yourself.
3. How will you achieve it? Now it is time to set some goals. Set the big one and put it on a calendar. Then set monthly, weekly, and even daily goals, each one building upon the former. Many athletes use free apps such as Strava.com and TrainingPeaks.com. Be realistic, but also don’t be afraid to challenge yourself!
4. When will you fit it in? Many of us have gone electronic with our scheduling, but try a big desk calendar and hang it on the wall. Schedule the time, like an appointment, to reach your fitness goals. These may be exercise classes that cannot be moved, or it might be up to you to set the alarm at 5 am and get that workout in before the rest of your day marches in. Buy some stickers and mark those days you hit the tasks. Reflecting on your previous accountability keeps you accountable moving forward. If you miss a day, be okay letting it go and moving forward.
5. Who will keep you accountable? Hopefully this answer is YOU! But it can also be friends, or fitness buddies with like-minded goals. Agree to meet weekly, or just simply text a trusted partner, “Help! My bed is holding me hostage, but I planned to swim laps this morning!” Place motivational quotes and notes to yourself in places you will see frequently like a mirror, on a notebook, etc.
Once the date of that big goal rolls around, you will have confidence that you put in the time. The hay is in the barn, so to speak, and now you take your victory lap. Celebrate your accomplishments and then set a new fitness goal. Your motivation will be peaked and you are primed for that next journey!
