A Back Up Workout

Thanks for all the fun get well wishes today! The injury update: My forearm is still super tender, pretty swollen, and starting to get a nice bruise (I'll take a picture if things take a turn for the purple). But my shoulder...OUCH! I don't know how I did it, but I guess my ninja roll gave my shoulder a good twinge. It seems to be the rotater cuff; it hurts pretty badly when I raise my arm or try to lift anything (even my laptop!). I'm hoping it's just sore and will be back to normal in a few days.

Today I took the day off from working out, and Terry and I enjoyed a short walk after he got home from work. The walk was nice and leisurely, but it still got our blood pumping. Any kind of activity beats no activity, right? 

Well, that idea got me thinking about something I've integrated into my workout routine for the last year or so: 

(Oh yeah. Things are getting fancy again.)

Okay, here's what I noticed was happening to me, and I know it's happened to some other people out there (somewhere? maybe? Bueller?):

You have decided to go to the gym or work out at home or go for a run or do some yoga in the park (if you do yoga in the park, let's be friends, because that sounds cool). You've even managed to actually get up, you've changed into your workout clothes, and you've made it to the gym (or park or living room or sidewalk). There's nothing stopping you now!

Except...there's something. There's always something that can stop you. Here's my list, off the top of my head:

• You wanted to run while watching trashy TV, and all the treadmills are taken.
• You wanted to try out a new elliptical workout, and all the ellipticals are taken.
• You're doing Tina's Best Body Boot Camp, and the weight room is super crowded. 
• It took longer to get to the gym than you expected, and if you can't get in your entire workout you may as well just go home now.
• You were all set to do yoga in your living room, but then you remembered your mom has your favorite DVD.
• You were going to take your dog for a run, but your roommate just took him for a walk. He looks tired.
• You had planned a hike with your friend, but it's just SO hot (or rainy or cold or...).
• You thought a swim sounded nice, but there's an aqua aerobics class going on right now at your local YMCA, and it's taking up the entire pool.
• Your favorite Body Pump class is canceled today. 
• You started out on the bike, but you aren't feeling it. 10 minutes is good enough.
• Your gym date just texted, and she isn't coming to meet you. You hate working out alone.
• Your usual machines are taken, and you have never used any of the other ones. You aren't about to try them now and have everyone mock you when you don't do it exactly right--you just know they're all waiting to laugh at you!

See? You had the best of intentions. You weren't being lazy! You put on your shoes and everything! You drove to the gym! But, hey, it's okay. You tried. Let's go back to the couch. Mmm...remember the couch? So cozy! Gym clothes are also perfect for lounging, watching TV, napping...

NO. Wrong. Trust me, I've been there, and I have used the "eh, I tried" excuse myself. But good intentions do not make for a good workout. They don't get your heart rate up; they don't improve your bone density; they don't extend your life expectancy. So I had to get real with myself, and I made a promise to myself, which is now my motto on BLWB: No excuses. 

In this case, no excuses means having a back up plan. Now, if I intend to work out, I will work out. Nothing can stop me! Friend cancels? I go it alone. iPod stops working? I suck it up and power through. Treadmills are all taken? I finally gather up my courage and ask the trainer to show me how to use the Jacob's Ladder thing. 

So now, here are 5 workouts that defy any kind of excuse. No equipment necessary. You don't even have to go outside!

• In the Park Workout
  
  
  
• Quads and Core (<--my most popular workout!)
  
  
  
  
• Delta Boot Camp
  
  
  
  
• 12-Minute Circuit Workout
  
  
  
  
• 25 x 25 Workout or 25 x 25 Workout II
  

Print them out, tuck them in your gym bag, and dig 'em out when you get that "oops, my planned workout won't work out" feeling. Let's follow through with our good intentions and make those workouts happen.

What's your best back up plan when you just aren't feeling it? Comment or link up below!