5 Tips to Solve Your Aversion to Exercise
by Rebecca Clio Gould
Exercise. Some people love it, but even more people seem to hate it. Or, maybe hate is too strong of a word. But many people only do it because they feel like they should, not because they truly want to or enjoy it.
The truth is, being one of those women who really enjoys exercise, one of my greatest pleasures in life is a good cardio workout. If more than a day or two goes by without it, I can get cranky and depressed. Going to the gym or a class is not necessary to get my fix.
Just getting up in the morning and popping in one of my Beach Body DVDs, working up a sweat with Shaun T, and setting myself up for an awesome day that way is enough. But let’s face it, I am a rare bird; unless you also live somewhere like Austin. Here, much of the city is obsessed with physical fitness and practically everyone and their mother seems to be a runner.
But I digress.
For many, exercise sounds like a chore, or even feel like a painful punishment, at least at first. But once we get into the groove of it or find activities we truly enjoy, that will change. Don’t believe me? Try these tips:
Five Tips to Help Solve Aversion to Exercise
1. Think outside of the box.
There is no reason for exercise to feel like a chore or like punishment. There are no rules saying you must go to the gym or go for a run or use workout DVDs. You don’t even need to work up a sweat. And if you get hung up on the words “exercise” or “workout,” then do not use them. Simply find activities that get you moving your body and are fun for you. Go for a walk, even if just around the block. Swim. Dance. Pull weeds–it can be so satisfying as well as great for your upper body.
2. Combine fun and fitness.
The idea here is to combine your exercise time with something else–something fun! This could look like reading a book or listening to a podcast or catching up with a friend on the phone while using an elliptical or stationary bike. Or going for a walk or a hike with a friend or a group. Take a class, like yoga or partner dancing. Do something in addition to the physical activity where there is also a chance to connect with other people. There may also be a chance for some meditative movement along with some more rigorous movement.
3. Speaking of dance, just dance.
If you spend a lot of time seated, at a desk, can take break to move your body and refresh your mind by putting on a favorite song and dancing. Even if you do not know how to dance, here is good news: There is no right or wrong way to dance when you’re just dancing by yourself! Just put on some music and move that body of yours. If you work in an office and do not have privacy, substitute this with going for a little walking break instead of a coffee break, without or without listening to some music.
4. Get by with a little help from your friends.
Set up dates with friends for walks, hikes, swims, going out dancing, etcetera; whatever floats your boat. Do something fun and active, something that gets you moving, with your friends. You can also make new friends by joining Meetup groups for hiking or other physical activities.
5. Timing is everything.
My love for exercise is not exactly what I would call unconditional love. If exercise is not done in the morning, it is not likely to happen; at least not in terms of a cardio workout. A walk in the afternoon? Sure. Dancing at night? Maybe. But usually I want to get it done first thing in the morning to cross if off my list and to start my day off in a way that feels best. But for you, perhaps your lunch break is a better time, or some other time in the evening.
Think about the time exercise would be best for you. Experiment until you find the right fit. And maybe the right fit is to just go with the flow and not schedule it in at the same time each day. It all depends on our personality, goals, and what we need to feel our happiest and healthiest.
Speaking of goals and what feels right, I encourage you to let go of any preconceived ideas of what exercise should be. This includes the terms of what we consider exercise, how much you increase your heart rate or sweat, and how much time you spend on it. The important thing is to get your body moving and to enjoy it! So, do not worry about society’s standards or media images. Just do your best and be your own best, whatever that is for you.
About the Author
Rebecca Clio Gould is a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Qigong and Meditation Teacher, Sexual Awakening for Women Facilitator, and Author of “The Multi-Orgasmic Diet.” Rebecca is a graduate of the Heartwood Institute and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She has been running her own business, Elemental Harmony, PLLC since 2007, and lives in Seattle, Washington. See more at http://www.rebeccacliogould.com
