Don’t Let Perfect Be the Enemy of Good

Years ago, this was definitely my problem when it came to exercise. I was way too rigid about what my workout should look like. Basically, it had to do with the amount of time. For example, if I couldn't spend an hour at the gym then it wasn't worth going. If I couldn't ride my mountain bike for at least 90 minutes then it wasn't worth getting out on the trail. So I would let a day go by because of my perfectionism. Then another and another until a week passed and I hadn't lifted a single weight.

Eventually, I started realizing that something was better than nothing and that became my mantra. I changed into a person who makes exercise non-negotiable, like brushing my teeth. Movement happens each day. Period. End of sentence.

I attribute this change to two things. One was getting a fitness tracker. When I was gifted a Fitbit, I really started to notice my steps. It sparked a healthy competition with myself. "If I can get 8,000 steps," I wondered, "maybe I can get 9,000." Before I knew it my goal steps became 15K!

The second thing that happened is that I decided to purchase a Peloton bike. The beauty of their strength programs is that they have 10-minute workouts! Who doesn't have 10 minutes? I just select the split that I'm working on -- upper body or lower body -- and start exercising. Easy.

Fortunately, my garage gym was already set up for it. Prior to getting the bike, I had accumulated some different pieces of equipment. Over time, I added dumbbells and kettlebells. I collected a slightly used Bosu ball and a Swiss ball. When I could afford it, I bought a slam ball, bands, mats, etc. You get the idea. I started small and kept building as I got stronger.

Today, I have what I need to get a really great workout at home. It's good enough to lift the kettlebells in a 20-minute full-body circuit. It's good enough to sweat through a 30-minute HIIT and hills ride. Don't get me wrong. I loooove a good workout at my local fitness spot, but now I never have to skip a day because I "can't get to the gym."

Now, good enough is perfect.

10 minutes or 90 minutes, something is better than nothing.