The Exercise Hater's Guide to EZ Fitness

Do you ever feel like getting in shape or maintaining fitness is overwhelming? If so, you're not alone. Many, many people have great intentions in starting a fitness program, but can't maintain the energy or enthusiasm to sustain the effort. This doesn't mean you've failed and it doesn't mean you can't still get into shape.

OK, there are some strange freaky people who actually like to workout. You'll hear them talking about how they have to work up a sweat every day or some other crazy nonsense like that. But the truth is for most of us working out is a HUGE Chore! I hate it. I actually hate it every day, but I have managed to stay in shape over the years and I've done it in my own way, by multi-tasking. Setting aside an hour each day to workout doesn't really work for me and perhaps it isn't your cup of tea either. I have learned to work it into my day and not feel that it's something I have to set aside, but I manage to exercise while doing other things.

Studies have shown that just by walking at a brisk pace for 30-60 minutes a day you are actually burning more fat than running. And boy is that good news for me since I absolutely hate-hate-hate to run. For the longest time I always said that I couldn't run and that always got me off the hook, but the truth is when I tried it I found that I could actually run for up to 3 miles. I was shocked and ran each day for a while, but it wasn't for me so I quit. But my dog needs a walk each day so I multi-task and get my aerobic walking in when I'm walking him.

As for the non-aerobic exercise, there are many ways you can do this rather painlessly. It does take a little time and effort to get into the habit, but once you do it's so easy and you don't even realize you're doing it. If you like to watch tv you can do a whole ab routine while watching your favorite soap opera. While your mind is focused on the show you forget the pain you're feeling and before you know if you've finished the routine. There are many ab routines you can do such as using an exercise ball, which is actually fun or yoga, pilates or something like Callan Pinckney's Callanetics (my favorite) Before you know it you'll have strong flat abs and you'll be amazed at your strength.

After you've done the dishes or brushed your teeth you can take a few minutes to do a few barre type exercises for your legs. It really doesn't take very long and you'll be amazed at the difference in the way you feel and look. You can attach a band or stretchy bungy type exerciser to a doorknob (just leave it there all the time) and when you see it it will remind you to do a few upper body moves. If you get into the habit of incorporating these types of movements into each day, it will become second nature and before you know it you'll be in shape investing a lot of time. The best part about any type of working out is that it's like sex. The more you do, the more you want to do. It is a self-motivating prophecy. You'll look better which will just motivate you to do more. And when other people notice how fabulous you look and start complimenting you your motivation will soar.

So before you think that working out and getting into shape is overwhelming, just try to take it in little bites and soon you'll be reaping all the benefits. Who knows? You may find that crazy little athlete inside you that's just waiting to be released. It could happen...