Behind every great workout is a good distraction
This week I can report my first major step toward fitness — I’ve incorporated exercise into my procrastination regimen.
In my defense, it didn’t start that way.
Hours before my blog deadline, I realized I’d been too worried about reading and papers to even pretend I’d done any significant physical activity. Since I already exhausted my “I haven’t started trying yet” post for the semester, and I had a paper due the next day, the pressure was on.
What was a minimal time commitment? I considered the group pilates class at the Wellness Center. My confidence waned. I considered alternatives and consulted my roommate.
“How long has it been since you last worked out?” she asked.
“Like…never?”
“Have you drank any water today?”
“Oh yes!” I said, prouder of myself than was really appropriate. There was a pause, and a brief moment of introspection on my part.
“There’s probably some stationary bikes open,” my roommate suggested.
“Yeah, I’ll do that.”
After scouring my room for my headphones and packing a reading assignment, I trotted gallantly toward the Wellness Center. I’d pedal away on a stationary bike and get some homework done at the same time.
I picked a bike, and with book in hand, set the timer for an hour and started pedaling. This lasted about three minutes before my mind started to wander.
Are people looking at me? They can tell I don’t work out. Are my shorts creeping up? This seat is uncomfortable. I should be writing a paper.
I glance around. The few devoted athletes are safely absorbed in their own exercise. “Focus,” I think to myself, “This is a great chance to multitask.” I pedal and read on for another thirty seconds before I glance up again and notice that the two stationary bikes next to me have screens attached with virtual trails and other bikers to race.
I’m fascinated — are these new? What’s it like? How do you steer? I did what any adventurous and curious young person would do. I pulled out my smartphone and googled the magnificent piece of technology that was right next to me.
Somehow, I went from a quick internet query to watching an hour-long stand up special on Youtube with my phone perched on the control panel and my homework rolled in the cup holder. Every now and then I thought, “I should either be reading or writing a paper…but this is fun.”
Then it occurred to me — through a handy combo of procrastination and distraction, I’d tricked my brain into thinking exercise was fun, or at least more fun than homework. As far as I’m concerned, that’s a pretty good start. Maybe next time I’ll even stick to my reading.
