Is Your Home Workout Routine Giving You The Blues?

Most of us don't need to be convinced on why a home workout routine is important and what the benefits are. We already know the whys of exercise. The "whys" are obvious:

- We want to lose weight. The pudges are getting pudgier.
- We want to look better and be more attractive. (Improve our self image.)
- We want to be healthier and avoid health problems down the road.
- We want to have more energy and not be so tired all the time.
- We want to live longer.
- We know it's good for us. (like vegetables)

However, sometimes these "whys" don't seem to be a strong enough factor to motivate us to workout. Why? Because none of these "whys" show instant gratification. We don't see these results today, or even tomorrow, or maybe not until a month or two or three down the road. Distant "whys" are too distant.

The key, however, to starting a home workout routine and sticking to it, is not focusing on the "whys", but instead focusing on overcoming the "why not toos". Your mind will come up with every excuse possible why not to workout today:

- Not enough time
- Too much to do
- I don't feel like it
- I can't find someone to do it with me
- I'm too tired
- Tomorrow will work out better
- There's a hole in my sock
- The dog chewed up my running shoes
- It's raining, it's snowing, it's hailing
- it's not sunny enough, it's too hot, it's too cold... Something is just not right.

If we listen to the "Why Not Toos", the great debate begins, and before you know it, we've caved in and once again we're off singing the blues, and that home workout routine is left stranded by the side of the road. We've dropped the ball. Our dream and the amazing journey of doing life healthier, slimmer, thinner and in great shape gets knocked down again.

But it doesn't have to end this way. You don't have to sing the blues, but you do have to learn how to say "No" to the "Why Not Toos". It's time to toss the excuses out the door! If you can do that, I guarantee you won't be singing the blues for long, especially when you drop another size in blue jeans! Yipee!

www.ipod-workouts-at-home.com

As a quick thought, maybe you're having a case of the "Home Workout Blues" because your routine is boring or it's not challenging you anymore. In that case, it's time to spice it up a bit.

Maybe you need to change your home workout routine. Find a workout routine that's not only challenging, but looks interesting! Change it up every now and then so you're not doing the same thing day after day after day. Do a different type of workout on different days to add some variety to the mix. There is no one right answer when it comes to workout routines. Find a mix that interests, motivates, and challenges you. The options are endless: There are so many programs available online, including videos, books, e-books, etc. Or, you can join a local fitness gym or a local workout class, or why not talk a friend into starting a walking or running routine with you? There are lots of possibilities to add spice to your workout routine!

Or, perhaps you have a "losing battle mentality" that's giving you the "Home Workout Blues": To add spice to life, turn your weight loss into a game to win instead of a constant battle to lose. What can you do to make your workout goals feel more like a game? Reward yourself for small achievements. Don't wait for the huge achievements before you pat yourself on the back. Small increments... small rewards. Big increment...big reward! But, the key is to give yourself something to look forward to when you cross the finish line. Set short goal finish lines that ultimately lead you to the final "hoopin' and hollerin, YEEHAAA!'" finish line.