We all get emotionally attached to certain ideas.
A few years ago I would've laughed at the idea of enjoying my workouts.
Every workout I did had to be as hard as possible for as long as
possible. But over the years I've learned that exercise can actually
feel good--no, not lounging-on-the-beach-sipping-margaritas good, but
the kind where I feel strong, confident and able to tackle anything.
So, if you're only focused on weight loss, how can you change that? How
can you start looking forward to exercise?
- Keep It simple. If you're confused about what to do, start with the basics--you need at least 20 minutes for the body to get going, so start there. Get out your calendar, find 20 minutes of time on 3 different days and do something--walking, running, going to the gym, vigorous yard work--whatever you want. Make it a habit first and work on your time and intensity later.
- Be Patient. Part of allowing yourself time to make exercise a habit is being patient...you can't start where you want to be (which may be exercising 5 or 6 days a week), you have to start where you are and that means weight loss may be slow in coming as you get your mind and body conditioned for exercise. Make your weight loss goal long-term, then focus on the daily steps you need to take to get there.
- Focus on Your Body. If you exercise regularly, when was the last time you left your walkman at home and spent some time focusing on how your body feels? While music is a great motivator, why not set a goal to do one workout a week with no distractions? Leave your heart rate monitor, magazines and walkman at home. Forget about calories, intensity and the rest of it and focus on how your body feels. Try different activities. Go slower or faster and see how your body responds. Take some time to learn about your body and you'll be able to create workouts based on your own rules instead of someone else's.
- Stop and Smell the Roses. If you never exercise outside, I challenge you to do so. Go out and walk, run or ride your bike. Leave your watch at home and take some time to look around, notice the scenery. If you see an interesting road...take it. Breathe deeply. Sometimes just being outside is a reminder of how wonderful it is to have a healthy, functioning body.
- Mix It Up. The nice thing about cardio exercise is that you can choose any activity that raises your heart rate. You don't have to do the same workout every session, nor every week. If you've been doing the same workouts, aren't you bored? Changing up your cardio is easy, so do it often and you'll discover more activities you enjoy.
- Appreciate Your Body. Unfortunately, I didn't learn to appreciate my body until I got an injury. When I was forced to stop exercising, I suddenly missed it. Try to learn to appreciate your body now, while it's in good working order. Just taking a few moments during your workouts to imagine what it would be like if you couldn't do what you wanted can help remind you how amazing your body is--no matter how it looks.
