Exercise needs to be a regular part of your life. But what if you just don't like to exercise? After reading these ten factors and the tips provided, you should be able to make the necessary changes that will improve your exercise attitude and allow it to be an enjoyable part of life.
1.You're doing the wrong mode. Don't enjoy running? Dread picking up a heavy weight only to set them back down? There are thousands of ways to exercise, some conventional, some not. The key is to pick something you love. The best way to find out what that may be is by experimenting. Don't just stick with the normal methods if you don't enjoy it. If something you haven't tried looks fun, seems interesting, or appeals to you for whatever reason, give it a try. You may find a new favorite form of exercise that you look forward to doing regularly.
2.Your exercise level is too intense. Everybody wants fast results. Starting out by doing too much is a sure fire way to get burned out or injured. Proper exercise progression is the rule to follow to make exercise not only safe and effective but enjoyable. Seeing the progress you make is a great motivator and will keep you on track with a regular exercise program. If your training is so hard that you dread the thought of it, ask yourself what you are training for. Does it need to be at that level of intensity to reach your goal? Reducing the intensity and gradually increasing it over time will get you to your goals without it feeling like torture.
3.Wrong location. Where you exercise can effect your mood, attitude and productivity. Some people are uncomfortable exercising in front of others but fall for the marketing tactics of the major health club chains. Pick a workout location that does not make you feel uncomfortable. Try visiting the gym at a time of day when it's not as crowded if possible. You may benefit from setting up a home gym and exercising in private.
4.You're exercising at the wrong time of day. The time you pick to exercise needs to not only fit your schedule but also your lifestyle. If the sound of the alarm early in the morning is not welcomed, the thought of rolling out of bed to exercise is not going to be viewed as a positive either. If you are exhausted by the end of the workday, don't save your workout for a time when you are already low on energy. Try to squeeze it in earlier if you can. Select a time to exercise that comfortably fits into your day.
5.The wrong exercise environment. If you are stuck inside all day, the thought of going indoors to exercise on a nice day may not sound appealing. Consider a form of exercise that you can do outdoors. Someone who labors outside in the sun might look forward to working out in a climate controlled area instead of outside. If you goals require you to train inside, consider the lighting. Natural light has been proven to have a positive effect on mood.
6.You're not seeing results. Like I mentioned in number 2, people want fast results. The benefits of exercise start on the inside. People too often overlook the positive internal changes and focus more on the external, visible changes. If you are just starting to exercise, the fact that you are making it a habit should be as important as the changes you expect to see in the mirror. Give it time. Focus on the positives such as the improvements you are making as you progress in your workouts, how your energy level is increasing, how much better you sleep at night, and the fact that by exercising you are doing something healthy for yourself. Remember the visual results will come in time. Be consistent and patient.
7.You don't have an exercise partner. An exercise partner can be a great motivator. They can help you to push harder during your workouts than if you were exercising alone. The biggest advantage is the accountability. Most people who would chose to skip a day of exercise will not, knowing that someone else will be impacted by their laziness. Plus having an exercise partner adds a social element to the workout which is a big positive factor for some. If you are exercising alone, try to find someone with similar exercise goals, a schedule that is close to your own (co-workers) and is at a fitness level that is close to yours.
8.You're exercising with the wrong partner. If your training partner constantly cancels, shows up late or with an unenthusiastic attitude, it can quickly start to affect your own attitude about exercise. Having a partner whose fitness level is too far away from your own can also be a drawback. Someone who is not close to being as fit as you can hold you back and reduce the results you should be getting from your work outs. Trying to exercise with a partner whose fitness level is way above yours can be demotivating for some. Use the tips in number 7 to find a partner that is a good match for you.
9.You have a poor diet. What you eat will affect your attitude, your mood, your exercise performance, and the results you get from exercise. Take a good look at your diet. Make sure that you are getting enough nutrient rich calories on a daily basis. Be sure you have enough energy to complete your workout. You can't focus on your training when your stomach is growling. Be sure to stay hydrated and replenish the essential nutrients after your workout.
10. You have too much stress. Certain exercise is a form of stress, but it should be positive stress. The nine factors listed above can make exercise a positive or negative part of your day. Pick a mode of exercise that helps you control or relieve stress, not add to it. Make sure you are exercising at the proper intensity. It's alright to reduce your training intensity at times when you are feeling overwhelmed. A change in your exercise location might give you a needed pick me up. Make sure you are getting enough quality sleep.
If you are finding your enthusiasm for exercise starting to decline, consider the above factors and see which ones might be having an effect on you. Use the tips provided and your outlook about exercise should start to improve, along with your health and your fitness.
Certified personal trainer Aaron Harris helps people make regular exercise an enjoyable part of their lives. Aaron was a contributing writer for the Sony newsletter Emazing's Bodybuilding Tip of the Day. For more information about Aaron's personal and online fitness training visit http://www.AaronHarrisfitness.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment