When I ask long term exercisers what keeps them coming back for their next session the answer is usually the same; exercise is fun and it makes me feel good. A large portion of our society just cannot relate to this mind set. Here is the problem: the mind is willing, because intellectually we all know “it’s the right thing to do”. There is copious amounts of health related information available to us on a daily basis. However there is a huge disconnect between the couch and the unused sneakers by the front door. Here is my advice:
- Start with small attainable goals that you can incorporate into your lifestyle, so exercise does not become inconvenient.
- Choose something you like to do which leaves you pain free, for instance if you have artheritic joints, swimming may be a good choice.
- Get a partner, exercising with someone else can make it fun. I find that exercising with a friend that I can share a laugh with to be a catharsis itself.Laughter has been shown to raise your endorphin level to induce good feelings.
- Vary your routine, walk one day bike the next. When you are tired, take a nature walk. Household chores add up to health related benefits.
- Find the right time of day
- Do what you comfortably can, forget the no pain no gain mantra.
- Do not get discouraged, it takes weeks or months before you notice changes.
- Here is the big one, make exercise fun, read, listen to music, watch TV. Try to create your own little party for one.Be creative and make your exercise the best part of your day so you want to do it again.