This week I have reintroduced something that I did in previous rounds of 12WBT when I was new to exercise: The No Excuses Box.
Exercise is now a regular part of my life and I really miss it when I am not getting 4 to 5 sessions a week in. Lately I am more likely to miss a session due to being busy and last minute changes to my schedule, such as being called up for casual work.
The fitness studio where I train, Zenergy, has introduced an unlimited group membership option for their high intensity training, kettlebells and mixed martial arts sessions. There are lots to choose from so if my schedule changes in theory it should be easier to get a workout in!
Recently I found myself wanting to go for an afternoon group session at Zenergy because work finished earlier and I really felt like training, but I had nothing in the car. From work or Zsenergy to home is a 1 hour trip when the traffic is moving well. So, no training gear = no session = sad panda face.
After that I resolved to have a change of clothes etc in the car once again so that this would not happen again.
Additionally, over the coming weeks as my PhD wraps up with a big push to the end my schedule will jump around a bit. It will be important to be organised and flexible: to have some clean gear with me so I can go for a walk (or running once it is permitted again) or smash out a litlte work out on my own on the grass somewhere at the uni near my office.
My No Excuses Box is packed and in the boot of my car. It currently contains:
- runners & socks
- underwear, pants & top
- pre-weighed protein powder & a shaker
- empty water bottle, suncreen & towel
- earbuds for use with my phone for music
- tennis ball for doing triggering on my muscles
NO EXCUSES!! No need for wishing I could train and missing an opportunity.
As I type this post I am thinking about other things it would be good to have in the car: a change of casual clothes, basic toiletries, spare medications and PJs so can stay at my parents house! It is the half way point between work and home for me. Often lately I have wished I had my stuff so I could crash there at the last minute. Over the next 3 months I am likely to opt to stay there on really long days. This means I get ‘home’ to their place sooner, I can spend time with them and hope as all poor, tired students hope that they will feed me! And if they don’t, I will head across the road to my Aunt’s! ;oP It also means that I can sleep in a little longer and have less than half the travel time to work and training.
I am off to pack that additional stuff!
How about you? Do you have spare gear in the car for reasons similar to me? For other reasons? What is in – or will be in – your No Excuses Box?
xx Ange
Hi Ange, love this post. thank you, you always share such insightful and useful practical information. Can you tell me about the tennis ball you have packed you say it is for triggering muscles…do you mind explaining please. thank you . Carmen
Thanks Carmen!! The tennis ball is something my physios and PTs have suggested I use to really get into some trigger points in my butt, legs, back… really anywhere that is tight! Works a treat. I also use a foam roller and a rolling pin. I find doing the triggering daily with these things really works out my tight spots and helps me stay pain free and able to build up the strength in areas like my hips where I have had issues. Hope that helps – feel free to ask more questions
xx
Hi Ange,
I just wanted to say that I came across your blog a while ago and you are my inspiration for joining the 12wbt, Round 2. Over 6kg down in 7 weeks and loving it! Not massive weight loss, but slow and steady is just fine by me! THANK YOU for sharing your journey. xx Sharon
Thanks Shazzie!! I am so glad you have joined 12WBT! Congrats on over 6kg gone in 7 weeks that is awesome!! It is a really good amount of weight to lose in that time. THANK YOU for popping by to share with me, I really appreciate it! xx