I recently started swimming as part of my workout. I have a hip injury and can’t do a lot of things and swimming is an excellent workout that is low impact on the body. While I really prefer to run or do stairs for cardio, I know swimming will be a great alternative and the smartest thing I can do is listen to my body and not push it as my injury will only get worse. I bought a suit, cap and goggles and am all ready to swim in the beautiful pool at The Bay Club. I start swimming, thinking about how invigorating it feels and how great this is going to be and then my cap falls off. I stay positive, put the cap on again and it falls off. Those of you who know me are aware that I have quite a head of hair. Thick, long and full of curls…and quite difficult to squish into a little swim cap! Not only is chlorine not great for my ‘fro’, it is annoying swimming without the cap and The Club has a policy that you must wear a cap and as an employee it would not be appropriate for me to blatantly break the rules. After several tries with no luck I was getting to point of throwing in the towel (no pun intended!) and give up swimming for good. Oh well, I thought. I guess I won’t be able to swim until I cut my hair. Then I got frustrated because I really want to incorporate swimming into my workout and it is silly that my hair should get in the way of my exercise routine. Then, my coworker, Pilates instructor and swim coach, Angeles Rios, suggested I go try to find a cap for long hair. Is there such a thing? Could it work? I went on a search and found it at Sports Basement. Sweet! The next day I jumped in the pool with my handy dandy cap made for gals with a fro like mine and it worked like a charm! The cap stayed on the whole time with no problems. Woo hoo! Michael Phelps got nothin’ on me!
So why am I sharing this silly story about my high maintenance long hair and a swim cap? It is so easy to avoid something due to some tiny, silly excuse. What if I quit swimming all together because of a swim cap? What if someone is avoiding eating better due to a logistical problem that could be resolved? When you are trying to create a new behavior take the time to problem solve. The little things made a big difference. Try to think of a bunch of scenarios so you can make it work. Ask your friends and families for advice. Maybe they are going through the same thing and have an idea that could work for you.
Having trouble making time for snacks? Could you get a fridge in your office? Could you put a cooler in your car so you can eat on the go?
Can’t get a workout in? Is there a gym, yoga studio or Pilates studio that is closer to your home or office? Do you have a buddy you could go on walks with? Could you wake up 20 minutes earlier and get a quick workout in? Maybe a workout video would work.
Want to start cooking more but do not know how? Try to find the easiest recipes to start. Maybe there is an appliance or tool that could make all the difference. Just try cooking once. It may not be as hard as you think!
Stay focused on the prize, strategize and make it happen. I will see ya in the pool!