WELL BODY: How To Start Exercising When You Really Hate It
By Rebecca A.
If you really hate exercising and seriously don’t even know how (or you don't even want to) start, then let’s begin by overcoming the excuses.
Excuse #1 – I need to work out for at least 30 minutes a day to see results.
Maybe you think that you have to do a certain amount of exercise in order to feel like you are 'exercising properly', and maybe that puts you off. Well guess what, you don't have to do that. Remember that something – ANYTHING - is better than nothing. If the thought of 30 minutes a day is stopping you from exercising, then how about trying to move for 1 minute? Do this consistently for a week, then increase. See if you can do it for a few more minutes. YouTube is full of short 5 minute video’s to get your body moving and blood flowing. There are so many other benefits to exercise other than just focusing on the way your physical body looks.
Excuse #2 – I don't have time to exercise.
We tell ourselves we are too busy to exercise, yet I bet we can all name at least one person busier than us who exercises. This is more a case of ‘I don’t prioritise exercise’, or perhaps there is another underlying excuse that is stopping you from exercising. Remember, we are not aiming for an hour of exercise a day here… start small. Five minutes.
Excuse #3 – I hate exercise/exercise is boring.
Find one you do love, and then don’t do it for too long. Do you enjoy the feeling of doing yoga? Find a 5 minute flow online. Do you really love music? Find a workout online to one of your favourite songs and dance. Do you like the feeling of walking outside but just don’t do it? Put the phone down, walk out the door, go once around the block and experience the sights, the sounds and the smells.
Excuse #4 – No, I REALLY hate exercise.
If your mind is full of negative thoughts about exercise, you’ve only got one option. Change your thinking. We have already talked about ‘redefining your normal’ and to use simple mantra’s – such as ‘I move my body every day’. Start thinking these thoughts as often as possible. Write them down and stick them around your house. You don't have to make yourself think “I love exercise”, because a jump that far in your thinking when you are used to thinking the opposite, is just not realistic and you’ll never convince yourself to believe it. But to think “I move my body every day” is a much more accessible thought that you can believe. When your mind goes back to the negative thought, just correct it with your mantra.
Excuse #5 – I tried exercising and it didn’t do anything for me.
It depends on what your goal was, and sure, maybe you didn’t achieve it. But there are so many other benefits to exercise. Even if you are only doing it a little bit, you will begin reaping rewards such as these: improved mood, increased energy levels, improved sleep, boosted libido and decreased risk of various diseases and health conditions, increased longevity. Who doesn't want that??
So now that we have overcome the excuses, let’s break it down into simple steps.
HOW TO GET STARTED EXERCISING
STEP ONE
Dress in your exercise gear. Even if you don’t feel like it, just get dressed. At this point, you still aren’t exercising. No worries. It’s just getting dressed. BUT it somehow sends a signal to your brain to get ready for exercise. If you are already dressed, you’ve already taken the first step.
STEP TWO
Press play: a) turn on the fitness video; b) walk out your front door; c) go to the gym; d) roll out your yoga mat.
STEP THREE
Now you have two choices: a) you can just stand there and watch the video, the sky, the other people in the gym, or your wall; or b) tell yourself you will move your body every day and commit to one minute. You can do anything for 60 seconds!!
STEP FOUR
Complete your minute of movement. Then, either congratulate yourself and pack up your things, OR commit to a minute more. Or 10 minutes. Whatever. You moved. Success.
Some people just aren’t ready for huge fitness goals, and that’s okay. Some people need accountability groups and challenges and coaches. Others don’t. But don’t let fear or excuses put you off any longer. Start a small daily habit that isn’t overwhelming or that fills you with dread. Who knows, maybe you’ll actually enjoy it.
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