MUST-DO MONDAY: SUGAR RAY LEONARD ON MOTIVATION

Let’s be real…Monday is the one day that almost everybody dreads.  It’s the day we get back to work, the day we go back to school, or it’s our day back from an amazing weekend.  I will be the first one to admit this.  It’s hard to find the motivation to get yourself to get to the gym, to go for a run, or even to do anything that’s active.  I can honestly say it’s tough for me!  Yet, staying in shape is something we must do.

Here’s the trick. Take it in intervals. For example, if my normal routine is to run 4 miles, maybe I can start my Monday by running 1 mile.  If I normally do 100 sit ups, maybe I’ll do 50 on Monday.  Doing something is better than nothing.  Exercising doesn’t always have to be going to the gym or going for a run, either.  Participating in group activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, or even dancing are all great.  It’s important that you have fun doing it! For me of course, it’s boxing. Boxing is a total body workout and also relieves stress on that big punching bag! Be sure to remember that boxing exercises are just for a workout. So don’t punch a person!

Of course, working your way into a Monday activity doesn’t just apply to exercising either. Mondays are tough regardless. It can be tough to get yourself back into work, back into school, or anything that involves getting out of bed!  The one thing that we must do is to again, ease into it.  After a long weekend, it’s easy to feel like you’re behind.  You may have hundreds of emails to go through, piles of work on the desk, or several meetings to attend to.  In life, just like in exercise, it’s important to take breaks once you start to feel overwhelmed.  Just a quick break can increase your productivity and decrease any mistakes you may make or fatigue you feel! It definitely helps when you have a trainer* to motivate you and watch your form. Form is very important when cross training in exercises such as Pilates which helps to keep my core strong!

Another reason to motivate yourself on Monday is because a healthy and active lifestyle reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease and reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes.  I grew up seeing my dad and my friends struggle with complications of diabetes, and it’s important to fight it in any way that we can.  My Foundation, The Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation, is committed to funding research and creating awareness for pediatric type 1 & 2 diabetes. We also strive to support programs that help children lead healthier lives through diet and exercise.

Of course on Monday, and every day, comfort is extremely important to me.  Wearing appropriate clothing and having comfortable shoes makes it easier to get through any day or activity.  That’s why whenever I exercise, I always wear my Skechers. Skechers keep my feet comfortable and it allows my body to do and handle more.

Monday can set the tone for your entire week…let’s all try to start the week out on a good note!

*Featuring Pilates Instructor – Sarah Beardsworth from The Cypress Centre Pacific Palisades.