My immune system is getting is revamp this year… A workout of it’s own kind. If you asked me a year ago I would have told you that my I rarely get sick and now after working as a registered nurse on night shifts for close to a year, I can officially say that my immune system has hit rock bottom.
They say the first year of being a nurse is rough in the immune system, but I never expected this before. My recent cold lasted for over 2 weeks and it wasn’t until my husband forced me to the doctor’s office that I was placed on antibiotics. I guess nurses truly don’t take care of themselves.
But I can officially say that I have been sick-free for over a week! And with that means back to the gym. (Here is my view of working out while sick). After being off gym duty for 2 weeks, I can honestly say that the motivation to get back was a tough one. It took everything in me to get off the couch that had formed a perfect molding to butt over the past weeks. And I can honestly day that the first day was Hell. I only made it two days this week and that was pushing it.
The tough part of getting back into the gym wasn’t the fact that I have zero motivation, but that my stamina was shot. It was a humble experience of grandmothers passing me up in our runs or lunges. And while I had a pity party throughout the entire workout, I soon realized that I had lost sight of my goal.
Keeping my eyes focused on the goal of getting in shape and living a healthy lifestyle isn’t about comparing myself to others or how long I can run on the treadmill. If 15 minutes is all I can do, so what? If walking around the block is all the exercise that I can get in for the day, than so what? At least I know that I am taking steps in the right direction towards getting healthy. It reminds me of the biggest loser and when a contestant loses 5lbs and is disappointed because the previous contestant lost 10lbs.
I just wonder how many times you have lost sight of your goal whether you are at the gym or standing next to someone skinnier than you.
I wonder how many times you get defeated at the gym because the girl next to you is running over an hour while you are walking for only 15 minutes.
I wonder how many times you have lost sight of your personal goal because of set backs or because your mind is playing games with yourself.
I wonder how many times you have thrown in the bag because you have lost sight of your weight loss goals.
Set backs are going to happen, making bad decisions are going to happen, comparing is going to happen. But it’s how you respond that makes a difference. Keeping your eyes on the prize and taking the steps you can take for that day is all that matters in achieving the goals that you have set forth for your life.
{ 7 comments }
So glad you are feeling better! Maybe 2 gym visits was enough after all that!
that is our mantra here.
from grocery shopping to fitness
EYES ON THE PRIZE.
it keeps me..US..from getting derailed or distracted.
I have to admit that I hate that getting sick often sets back my workouts for a while. BUT, I think living a healthier life for me has also meant I don’t get sick nearly as often. I hope I’m not jinxing myself to say I can’t remember when I had my last cold. Maybe last winter? Glad you are feeling better.
My friends started nursing too last year after finishing school and it seems like pretty hard and intense work, especially with the hours.
If I see someone at the gym working out harder than me… I try to work out harder than them. I think the trick is to get into a competitive (but friendly) mindset.
Katy, I always find myself trying to stay on my elliptical longer than the person next to me. It’s my competitive spirit. At least it keeps on the elliptical longer
But it’s how you respond that makes a difference
That says it right there Ruth! Glad you are feeling better!
I’m always winded after taking time off, but taking time off after being sick is 20 times worse. You’ll get back into the swing of it in no time though – no worries, and happy Friday!