Most people can agree on the many benefits of exercising, but many choose to forgo working out because it seems like such work. They find no enjoyment in it. However, as a former certified couch potato who now finds happiness in different forms of exercise, there are measures to take (some fun, some fairly difficult) to fall in love with not only working out, but also with your body.
1. Find reason. Whether it is to feel better physically, become stronger, or look better there is an array of reason someone might have to exercise. Find yours (I encourage finding more than one) and run with it!
2. Try new things. Check out that yoga class you have been interested in. Strap yourself into a harness and try a nearby rock wall. Borrow your friend’s skateboard and take it for a ride. Hop onto a slackline. Never limit yourself to the basic, to what seems most familiar; you may be missing out on an undiscovered talent or simply something to fall in with. During my couch potato days, I would never had imagined myself taking up rock climbing, or attempting to be a certified Pilates and interval training instructor, yet these are now sports I find joy in.
3. Go on adventures. Do not be afraid to wander. Exercise and fitness is so much more than logging in hours at a gym. Spend a day at a beach or get lost in the city. Take a group of friends hiking and camping or just go for an aimless walk.
4. Set goals. More than just reaching a certain number on the scale, set goals that truly drive you. Set goals for strength, for confidence. Whatever they may be, set them firmly in your mind, or write them down, and go after them with vigor.
5. Find role models. They do not have to be famous, just find people who are living a life you would want to have and remind yourself that if they can do it, so can you. It sounds cliche’ yes, but it is true.
6. Embrace the burn. Learn to love the literal burn of working out, that strain and soreness in your body means you are making progress and you are pushing yourself. Not to mention, there are all sorts of crazy happy chemicals that rush through your brain when you exercise that helps relieve stress, make you happy, and feel more awake-maybe even try adding some exercise to our morning routine to jump start your day.
7. If all else fails, do not give up on yourself. Fitness is not merely vanity, it is important to remember that because if looking good is your only motivation to work out, then your resolve and determination will be easily diminished. If you feel like giving up on yourself, and on your body, which has proven to do wonderful things, recenter yourself and recall our reasons for starting in the first place. Remember all the amazing things your beautiful vessel of a body has accomplished and aim for even more, because it is possible.
