How to Actually Enjoy Exercise!

How to Actually Enjoy Exercise!

Let’s face it – Tax Day is no picnic.  In fact, with the stress, the paperwork, and the fear of the IRS, you may consider it one of your very least favorite things, ever.  And while we’re on the subject, what else would make that list for you?    How about going to the dentist, idling in rush-hour traffic, waiting in long lines, and . . . exercising?  No, say it ain’t so!  Unfortunately, truth be told, a surprising number of people detest the idea of working out.  In fact, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recently reported that a shocking 80% of US adults fail to get the recommended amount of exercise per week, which tells us that there may not be a whole lotta workout love to go around.  And in case you’re wondering what that magic equation is that the US Government recommends, it’s a minimum of 2.5 hours, or 75 minutes of intense exercise, per week. Which isn’t a lot, unless you happen to hate it.  If you fall into this Lycra-loathing category, you know all too well the sinking feeling you get every time you hear another health professional boasting the benefit and necessity of exercise.

Since exercise really is very good for you, and because we care about you and your health, we have a few ways that exercise can start to become a bit more enjoyable for you. Yes, you. Yes, really.

1. Do what you love.  Just because your neighbor, sister, co-worker, and niece all adore jogging, that’s no reason for you to try and force yourself to love it, too.  Because the term “exercise” can mean so many different activities, it’s pretty hard to dislike every single type.  Think about an activity that you used to enjoy, or that you’ve always wanted to try, and then ask your trainer for workouts that closely match those activities.
    
2. Gimme one reason.  When you do exercise, what’s your motive?  If you exercise purely to knock off a few pounds, you might be setting yourself up for failure.  Did you know that women who exercise to stave off stress, have more energy, and to feel better are more likely to exercise than those who sweat it out to lose weight?  Focus on the other benefits of exercise and you might find that getting leaner is a happy side-effect.
    
3. The vicious cycle.  You’re tired.  Or you’re in pain.  Or you feel frumpy.  Or you ate too many chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast.  All of these things, and more, are enough to make you beeline for the sofa rather than your gym shoes.  However, you know by now that one or two sessions with your trainer are enough to get you started on a healthier cycle, get you feeling more energetic and attractive, and making better eating choices.  And if you’ve got painful joints, your trainer can help you through exercises that you can safely do with your sore spots.  Plus, many aches and pains can be helped by exercising.  Work up the gumption to break the slump rotation, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly a new, healthier cycle starts.
    
4. Everyone’s looking at you.  Except that they’re not.  The folks at our workout studio are too focused on getting their own butts kicked to notice that your yoga pants might fit a little tightly.  People don’t show up to Fitness Together to critique fellow exercisers.  Our clients show up because they know that they need help, they want to get healthy, and they have a significant distance to go to get there. 

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