I have a confession to make.
For a few years now, I’ve been making excuses. Excuses for not exercising enough. Well, it was more like one big excuse made up of lots of little ones.
In a nutshell, it went like this:
I’d be so much more awesome at this if I had a treadmill.
It was this one obstacle that I liked to believe was the reason for not being active enough and not losing enough weight to feel truly healthy.
Except, now I have a treadmill.
Yep. I found a second hand one on Gumtree (the online trading post – kind of like Australia’s Craigslist for those not familiar) and I brought it home yesterday.
Its previous owner claimed to have used it maybe 5 times in the 2 years she had owned it, so it is pretty much like having a brand new one! I highly recommend a second hand treadmill, by the way. They appear to depreciate so much in value that you can get a great deal second hand and there are lots of people out there who haven’t really used them, so they’re usually in great condition if they’ve been kept indoors (usually as clothes airers haha).
So. No more excuses. Excuses like these ones (try not to laugh at me too much)…
- The exercise bike I own is pretty great (and has been used a LOT by me), but it’s not giving me the same experience that walking/jogging on a treadmill would give me. It is a bit limiting and I want to really move my arms as well. So I just won’t use it because I’m waiting for my mythical treadmill.
- I can’t afford a treadmill, so I feel frustrated and don’t do much about it.
- I would care more about tracking my exercise on my fitbit (therefore motivating myself) if I had a better way to achieve my recommended daily 10,000 steps than having to have a massive day out or walking aimlessly around my house forever. So until then, never mind. I’ll just forget to charge my fitbit and leave it off.
- Meh. I won’t bother too much about my diet (as in food/calorie intake – not fad diets which are not helpful), seeing as I can’t do all of it properly anyway.
- I have never used a treadmill and it’s a bit daunting and I don’t know what I’d be looking for, so I guess it’s not happening right now…
- I can’t always walk because the weather can be too hot, too rainy, too something.
- I can’t afford a regular gym membership to use the treadmills (not to mention I’m intimidated by it all) and even if I could, when the hell would I be able to go there? As if!
Yep. Some excuses are a bit more bullshit than others, but I’m keeping it real here and being honest with myself! The truth is, if I was truly motivated enough, I would have found a way to achieve my goals no matter what. Not having a treadmill was probably (as much as it hurts to say this) a pretty convenient excuse for slacking off.
When I got home from Sydney, it appeared that I had saved a little more moolah for my birthday week/s than I thought would be possible. I had change! Enough for a second hand treadmill! I knew it was time. If I didn’t use this opportunity, who knew when I’d have that much money left over again just for me (my guess is almost never). I’d wanted a treadmill for years, so I knew it wouldn’t be a passing phase I was going through. I also have a good track record of using my exercise bike, so I felt confident that I’m not one of those people who buys exercise equipment that is never used. It would be a worthwhile purchase.
Here’s what I’m loving about it:
- It’s convenient. At this stage, I can’t walk/run daily in the outdoors because I’m looking after the Little Mister. He isn’t able to keep up for as long and he can’t ride his bike as far as I’d like to go (although I do look forward to the time we can do longer walks together without him begging to be carried before we get home). I’ve been holding myself back when I do go out with him (although quality time is nice). Now, rather than feeling that I’d be limited to weekends and the one day he’s at day care, I can walk/run while he is sleeping or after Mr Unprepared is home from work (he rides his bike so he gets home later these days – this takes away my own guilt about taking time for myself to exercise too).
- I am highly motivated by being able to track my daily activity. Steps, calories burnt, distance. Walking is the perfect way to work on these statistics when wearing my fitbit. I am excited to smash my records and see some great results.
- I’m not going to lie. I’m kind of liking the smug factor. I used to be so intimidated by exercise equipment (embarrassing but true). I’m proud that I’ve worked my way up to this. Mr Unprepared was very helpful in the buying process as he used treadmills a lot when he worked away (FIFO). I know that after a treadmill work out I will not only have an endorphin hit but I’ll feel really pleased with myself. I kind of like being able to say out loud, “Yeah – I get on the treadmill each day.” And no, I will try not to be too obnoxious about it – don’t worry haha.
- Walking has always been my favourite exercise. Now I have no excuses for not doing it. It’s a great fit for me.
- Um…I can watch Netflix while I exercise. I love that it won’t slow me down because the treadmill keeps pushing the pace, whereas on my exercise bike, I had to regulate myself and I tended to go slower when I was thinking or had the wrong music on or was watching TV etc.
So…my biggest excuse has disappeared. The excuse I kept in my head for as long as the Little Mister has been alive (if not longer). I have ticked a top item off my wish list. I feel like a kid at Christmas!
I’ve been inspired by my husband because although he can be annoying (sorry haha), his dedication to riding his bike each day has made me think about my own motivation. He doesn’t feel guilty about looking after his health (and enjoying it). He has found that thing he likes to do and he’s doing it. I realise I shouldn’t feel guilty either! I also love that it’s great role modelling for the Little Mister. He’s seeing his daddy’s bike each day, he’s wanting to ride his own bike so he can be like him. He was so curious and interested in my new treadmill. He’s being exposed to exercise as an important part of daily life and I am glad for him. I can’t wait to do more and more as a family, as he grows and develops more skills. Admittedly, Mr Unprepared and I have had our slack times, but we’re really trying to make positive changes for the future. It’s awesome.
What is your favourite exercise? Is there a piece of equipment you are pining for?
