In which trying works out to doing

We all have times when we’re tired or sick or stressed out and working out seems absolutely impossible.  Sometimes working out really is impossible, like when we are restricted to bed rest.

The rest of the time, even when it seems like too much, we can try.

Trying, in this context, does not mean thinking that maybe we will do it later when we are not so tired/stressed.  (Sickness is a special case.  It is bad karma to infect other people with our germs.  Also, there are times when our bodies need all their resources for recovery and we don’t want to give them more to work on.)  Trying means lacing up the shoes and starting.  Maybe we walk instead of run, or maybe we stop after half an hour instead of an hour, or maybe we choose light weights or an easier class, but we actually show up and do something.

What often happens when we try is that we end up less tired or stressed.  When we’ve been sick and we are stiff with holding still, that first gentle workout back can make a huge difference in our mood.

I’m not suggesting that we beat ourselves about the head until we go sweat buckets doing the hardest workout ever.  We need to be kind and to use our good judgment.  But most of the time, a nice little nudge toward moving will help us feel better.