The 5 Second Rule and Fitness
Written by Eden
I think, universally, that a lot of people will agree that the hardest part of working out is finding the motivation to actually get it done. Fitness bloggers post memes on Instagram such as, “you have 24 hours in the day, it only takes one to workout”, and you suddenly feel a rush of motivation and tell yourself the infamous lie of “I’ll start tomorrow’. In reality, most of us are so busy either working, being parents, catching up on missed rest, or maintaining a social life that often working out is put to the bottom of the list and the days pass.
It’s strange because once you’ve finished working out, as difficult as it was, you have a surge of endorphins and feel powerful and strong, ready to take it all on. An even better feeling is when you begin to see physical progress and changes. Your confidence increases, clothes fit better, and you feel healthier overall. So, why is it so hard, as Nike says, to just do it?!
There isn’t one correct, scientific answer. It depends on the person. It could be lack of energy, lack of time, lack of enthusiasm, laziness, lack of interest, and the list goes on. For me, my excuse for procrastination was that I was always tired from working and being a mum. When my toddler went to bed, the last thing I’d want to do is throw on my gym clothes and trainers and go for a run, even though I know I’d feel amazing after it. I was in a constant battle between wanting to work out to feel healthier and look better but also wanting to use my spare time to rest and re-energize. I wanted to get out of this constant cycle but how?
One day, my partner introduced me to the 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins and suggested that I read up on it. Mel Robbins is a successful American author, television host, and motivational speaker. She has an amazing story of personal growth which drives her inspiration to help others and aid them in living a more enriched, successful life. And her 5 second rule concept has definitely helped me. And before you ask, no, I’m not talking about the 5 Second Rule that relates to dropping food on the floor, and as long as you pick it up within 5 seconds it’s okay to eat!
So, what is the 5-second rule? Here is the one-liner definition that Mel Robbins provides:
“If you have an impulse to act on a goal, you must physically move within 5 seconds or your brain will kill the idea”.
The idea is quite literally counting down from 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… GO! It’s all about acting on your natural impulse.
A really simple concept but so effective, the 5 second rule is something that can be applied to all aspects of everyday life, not just for fitness. You need to pack away that huge pile of laundry? Use the 5 second rule. You need to make that awkward phone call that you’ve been dreading? Use the rule. You need to ask for the signature in a big business deal? Use the rule.
By using the 5 second rule, you begin to build new habits, which are healthier and more proactive than the old ones of just not getting it done. The more you practice the rule, the more you’ll start to apply it in everyday life and achieve more goals, little and large.
I began using this rule in respect of fitness. My biggest problem was just getting off my butt and actually starting. So, I’d tell myself ‘ok Eden, it’s time… ‘5, 4, 3, 2, 1...’ and I’d just stand up and start walking to my bedroom to get changed. Then I’d count down again when it was time to get changed into gym wear. And again, I used it for when it was time to start my workout. IT WORKED! It truly worked and made me proactive, and now I’m beginning to workout consistently and making physical progress.
If you’re having a similar problem of finding motivation to get the workout done, I suggest you try the 5 second rule! It’s truly unique in how it works.
You can find more information about the rule here on Mel Robbins official website:
https://melrobbins.com/the-5-second-rule/
If you found the 5 second rule to be helpful in your workouts, let us know on Instagram @callepatasalada! We’d love to hear from you! In the meantime, stay happy and healthy and good luck on your fitness journey!
