Learning to Enjoy Exercise

Are you bored with your exercise program? Is it hard for you to get motivated to go to the gym or go for a run outside? The reason why most exercise programs fail is because the person lacks motivation or gets bored with the program. The key to your fitness success is finding a program you are excited about. Here are some common roadblocks to maintaining an exercise program, and how you can overcome them.

I don't enjoy exercise.
You probably don't enjoy exercise because your idea of working out is spending time on a treadmill or stair-stepper, which can get boring very quickly. Exercise does not have to be in the form of going to a gym and using the equipment. See what classes your gym offers. Most gyms offer a wide range of exercise classes such as spinning, step aerobics, kick-boxing, yoga, and strength training. If group fitness isn't for you, maybe you would rather engage in a sport, such as tennis or basketball. If you think you might be interested in team sports, do some research on the clubs and organizations in your community. Simply taking a walk outdoors qualifies as exercise and can go a long way in improving your health.

If you try one activity and don't like it, then try another. Or, if you get bored doing the same thing for too long, incorporate a variety of activities into your plan. I met with one trainer who recommended that I spend 10 minutes on the treadmill, followed by 10 minutes on the elliptical, and then 10 minutes on the exercise bike. The trainer said that switching machines would not only provide a wide range of exercises, but also keep it interesting.

I'm out so out of shape that any fitness program would be too difficult.
Nonsense! We all start somewhere. If you are truly concerned about your ability to start a fitness program, consult with a doctor and personal trainer. If you are intimidated by the health club atmosphere, it's important to note that there are people spanning all levels of fitness at these clubs. Your program might start out as easy as walking on the treadmill for 20 minutes, three times a week and lifting some light weights.

I don't have the time to exercise.
Fitting exercise into a busy schedule can be challenging, especially if you work full time and/or have kids. However, your health should be one of your top priorities. If your health fails you, then you will not be able meet your other time commitments anyway. Additionally, exercise is good for your mental health by allowing you to release stress. Many health clubs offer on-site childcare so that parents can work out. If you have a full-time job, try exercising before work so that you have your evenings free to spend with family and/or friends. Getting up an hour earlier might be difficult at first, but your workout will help jump-start your day and keep you energized.

Exercising doesn't have to take up much time. If you think you have to go through the routine of putting on gym clothes, driving to the gym, spending an hour on a cardio machine and then lifting weights, plus the ride home and the shower, then you are mistaken. You might consider getting some exercise equipment for your home, or buying some fitness DVDs. Even if you only have time for a quick 20-minute walk, you'll still feel refreshed and energized.

I get frustrated when I don't see progress, so I give up.
Don't expect to see instant results. If weight loss is your goal, then remember that your eating habits also play an important role. If the number on the scale isn't going down, the have your body fat percentage tested, because you may be losing fat and gaining muscle mass. If your goal is simply to get in shape, but you aren't progressing in terms of cardio and strength, then perhaps it's time to re-adjust your program. The true "results" of exercising regularly are the long-term health benefits, and you might not see those for years.

It's also important that you set realistic goals for yourself. Maybe the goal is simply not to feel winded when you walk up and down a flight of stairs. Or, if you are numbers-driven, maybe the goal is increasing your walking or running pace. Or increasing the distance you cover.

While not every exercise is right for every person, every person can find some kind of physical activity to benefit their physical and mental health.