Something, ANYTHING, is better than nothing!

Dude, just get started.

Even if you only do one rep. Walk one block. Run down the street and back. Lift one weight. Do one pushup. One squat.

Whatever it is, just do one. I find that if I'm really not in the mood to work out, if I tell myself I only have to do a fraction of the work I would typically strive to complete then at the very least I can get a little bit of exercise instead of going a whole day without.

For example, I am not the biggest fan of running but it often appears in my training because I know it is effective for me and it helps to build my overall fitness. BUT, since it's not my favorite, it's really hard for me to get excited about it and I find myself making excuses as to why I shouldn't go ahead and do it... Sound familiar? I know I'm not the only one who has this internal argument with themselves before doing something difficult!

So when it comes time for me to start running, I tell myself I only need to do a little bit and then I have permission to stop. I personally try complete at least one mile, because it's mentally manageable for me and I usually shake off the cobwebs and start to feel better right around the 3/4 mile mark...

Usually, once I get to that point I feel good enough to keep going and push a little farther - and sometimes I get on a roll and totally surpass my expectations! And on the days I feel sore, tired, or generally like crap, once I hit my mark I go ahead and stop. I listen to what my body is REALLY telling me, and not what my discomfort-averse brain is shouting! I've noticed that stopping after only a mile happens less and less the more I use this technique.

This seems to have the biggest effect on people with a strong competitive spirit like myself (when it comes to exercise and sports, at least), who have the tendency to compare their workouts to previous efforts and constantly strive to improve - this can create a negative mental environment if you're not able to match or surpass your previous results. Not the best recipe for success!

So what I'm saying is, knowing you have an "out" feels pretty good because it removes all pressure to complete a certain amount and allows you to relax and enjoy your workout. That's a big part of the beauty of it, in my opinion!

Letting yourself be ok with doing some, if not all, of your workout does just that - gets you to do SOME!

And some, my friends, is always better than none.

Baby steps are still steps!

So before you make excuses and find a way to skip that workout, take an extra day off, or wait to "get it done tomorrow," tell yourself you're just going to do a little. I bet you'll find that once you get going, you'll accomplish a lot more than you thought you could!

And no matter what you get done, I guarantee you'll feel better than if you didn't do any.

Let me know if you try this, or if this technique works for you! Right now I'm gonna head out and run "just one mile." Wish me luck!

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