How do you think about exercise? Is it something you do because you feel like you half to in order to maintain your weight and health? Or do you do it because you know that when you’re done, that endorphin rush from exercise will make you feel better?
The New York Times recently covered a bunch of studies about how people develop healthy relationships with exercise. These studies have shown time after time that people who want to exercise to lose weight or just “be healthier” tend to exercise the least. Those who exercise for the immediate rewards it gives you—more energy, lowered stress, a better mood, etc—tend to feel more motivated and stick with it. That's right! The key to loving exercise is the instant gratification.
So if you’re a person who really hates exercise but does it on occasion because you want to be healthy, that doesn't have to be your association with exercise forever.
Exercise does offer you a lot of instant gratification. And you don't have to start loving these benefits by running 5 times a week. Some strategies for loving physical activity include counting everything you do—taking the stairs, doing household chores, dancing—as part of your half hour a day of physical activity. You can work up to it. Start moving slightly more every day, and soon you’ll want to be moving more.
When I started exercising, I did a little bit at a time. I walked on my lunch break and did some strength training at home. Then I started adding half an hour of running a few times a week. Now, I feel antsy if I don’t get out and move throughout the day. It’s something that I know will make me feel better and more satisfied, and help me sleep better, do my job better, and be a better friend to my friends.
Think of exercise as a way to take care of yourself and make yourself feel better. Give yourself permission to take care of yourself as well as others, and it’ll come naturally.
And there’s always a way to fit in exercise. It’s all about prioritizing. If you don’t want to leave out your family or your partner, take them with you. If you don’t want to skip your workout for a date, make your date a hike or a sunset walk. If you’re too tired to go to the gym after a long day at work, do some yoga while you’re relaxing in front of your TV.
Exercise is for you to feel better. If you're doing it just because you have to, why do it?
How do you keep exercise enjoyable for yourself?
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