Letting go of exercise, for just a day

by Jacki Donaldson (Subscribe to Jacki Donaldson's posts)
Dec 6th 2007 9:00AM

Categories: Fitness

When I exercise -- when I'm actually completing my fitness tasks -- I'm not obsessive. I simply do my thing, which typically includes running and/or walking, sometimes a few push-ups, and occasionally a few planks. I exercise for about 45 minutes at a time. Nothing overboard, I don't think. I admit, though: I'm a bit obsessed with exercising every day. And this is something I need to work on -- not because it's bad to work out every day, but because thoughts of exercise consume my mind until I can accomplish it. Every day. And this can't be very healthy.

Today, I am not exercising, for no other reason than this: I need to let go of my compulsion to work out each and every day. Maybe I won't burn a few calories, and maybe I'll hang on to a reserve or two of fat, but in the whole scheme of life, what's the big deal really?

I don't know exactly why I've made such a big deal of exercise, but I suspect I like the results I've seen from my hard work so much I don't want to let go of them in any small way. Losing a day feels like losing ground. I guess you could call it dedication. Today, I'm calling it obsession -- because I want to be OK with a day void of exercise and until today, I haven't been. So here I am, running with the idea of giving it a break. Will I make it through the day without giving in? I hope so.

Comments (8)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Jacki 2-27-2008 @ 10:10AM

Denise,

I am still working out every day and realize I have to force a day off. As long as I remain healthy and injury-free, I plan to keep on truckin'!

Jacki

MJ 12-06-2007 @ 10:41AM

I thought I was the only one out there with the every day obsession of exercise. I repeat obsession. I am out walking/jogging every morning 5 am..if its raining and impossible to go I am on the elliptical, but not happy about it. Looks like we have a rainy weekend ahead, and I am already stressing. Hard for me to even eat normally if I don't get my hour workout. I think it comes down to getting rid of those 20 extra lbs and not wanting to gain an ounce back. Therapy needed!

Jacki 12-06-2007 @ 10:50AM

MJ,

I bet we're joined by so many others in this same obsession boat. I have to tell you, though, that my day off did me good. I'm going to write a post about it now. Will publish on Saturday at 7:00 AM.

Jacki

denise 2-27-2008 @ 10:08AM

I am the exact same way! I have been like this for 10 years (since I was 17). I do not miss a day at the gym and if I have to travel, I freak out! It's become a true obsession... my life is the gym! Have you been able to get over your obsession? I am not sure I want to.. I fear getting fat!

Sensei 12-06-2007 @ 10:50AM

For some people I would agree that it is an obsession, but from your description it is just part of your daily routine. If you happen to miss a day because you have other plans then I would say, who cares. But the fact that you are purposely not exercising in itself sounds obsessive!

I guess we should all not shower tomorrow because I seem obsessed with showering daily and just don't feel right without one! Or perhaps I'll forgo breakfast...somethings are just part of our healthy routine, not obsessions.

I think your article while well intentioned may give excuse to those looking for reasons not to exercise. "Well I was going to exercise but you know I don't want to become obsessed with it..."

:)

Sensei Mitch
http://KarateTraining.org/weblog

Jacki 12-06-2007 @ 10:51AM

My problem is that when I did miss a day, I'd have trouble getting over it. So this was a test, to purposely give myself a day off so I could mindfully see that it is OK to take a break.

Thanks for your input!

Jacki

kot 12-06-2007 @ 10:45PM

it is also dangerous to overtrain.

Mich 12-12-2007 @ 3:57PM

I love this post - it really is just what I needed to hear today. It's not so much the obsession with exercising (although I also get up at 5 am no matter what - just like you MJ!), but it's my constant obsessive thoughts about the number of calories I've consumed. I count and recount in my head all day long, start planning what combination of things I can eat when I get home from work... It's exhausting and depressing - and it really sucks alot of the joy out of food and life!

Anyway! It was just really great to read this post - like someone telling me to just relax for a second and catch my breath... and stop calculating so much! Thank you -