• Hate to Exercise? Here’s How to Get Started

    Friday, September 27th, 2024

    by Mike Taylor, Fitness Coach

    For many of us, exercise is a dirty word. We just don’t want to get off our comfortable couch and move our bodies.

    But the doctor keeps telling us that we have to exercise, or face a shortened lifespan with high blood pressure and other ailments.

    How to overcome this antipathy to exercise? It begins with the understanding that many times we often make starting an exercise program too big of a psychological hurdle to overcome.

    Break Exercise Down into Small Tasks

    If you can break down your exercise plan into smaller “mini-goals,” you have a much better chance of succeeding and “sticking with” your new fitness regimen.

    For example, tell yourself that, “Today I am going to exercise for just 5 minutes.” Basically, anyone can exercise for 5 minutes, so it makes it a lot easier to accomplish these small tasks.

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    Take the Long View

    It’s vital that you see exercise and weight loss with a view to the long-term. Losing weight in a hurry is not successful over time. It’s much better to lose weight gradually, but keep it off for good.

    Another good way to enjoy working out is to find a workout partner. Perhaps a coworker or neighbor would enjoy walking together a few times a week.

    You may find that the time passes quickly and that what you thought was hard exercise actually turns out to be an enjoyable activity that helps you make new friends.

    weight-loss-partner

    Exercise is Supposed to Be Fun!

    If you find exercise to be a grind and something that you dread doing, then look for an activity that you enjoy. Whether it’s walking, dancing, bicycling, running, swimming – the list is endless.

    If you enjoy what you’re doing, you will find it a lot easier to continue your fitness program for the long haul.

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    Yes, You Can Learn to Love Exercising!

    The key to enjoying working out is to take it slow, but stick with it on a daily or weekly basis. If you set small goals for yourself, you will find it a lot easier to stay on the path to greater well-being.

    Many people who hate exercise have discovered that by starting out with just 5 minutes a day, they are able to build up to a regular fitness program and learn to love exercising in the process. Best of Luck to you!

    (published October 3, 2017)