Americans have a love hate relationship with exercising. Some people only exercise so they can indulge in that weekend of binging, eating & drinking, but then that then associates exercising with doing a chore. It becomes something you must do not because you want to or because you enjoy it. At EatThis.com they spoke to top fitness pros to get their tips and tricks to making exercise feel less like work.
Jenny Jaucian, PT, a NASM-certified personal trainer, 200-hour Yoga Alliance instructor, a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach, and the founder of Jenny J Fitness says "When you create a more positive perspective on exercise, you are more likely to do it because it creates a more satisfying and enjoyable experience. Examples for changing your perspective on fitness include seeing how daily movement helps increase energy and focus throughout the day, [and recognizing it as an] outlet to relieve stress and anxiety."
Exercise is meant to be hard so be kinder to yourself. Start with something you are interested in and if you don't like it don't feel like you have to continue doing the same routine. Change things up or let things go that do not gain your interest.
The first 8 minutes are always going to be a struggle. Once your endorphins kick in working out won't feel like such a burden.
Certified Personal Trainer, Jeanette DePatie, says to "date" exercises don't "marry" them. She says, "There's more than swimming, biking, and running. Maybe it's stand-up paddle boarding. Maybe it's tango lessons. Maybe it's aerial exercises or pole dancing. You may need to kiss a few fitness frogs before you find your dream exercise program."
Hype yourself up! Tell yourself "You got this!" We are more likely to follow our own advice if you say it out loud to yourself. One study showed that cyclists who talked to themselves before a race saw 39% increase in their endurance.
Not feeling motivated? Try working out with a partner. It will hold you accountable and will be much more enjoyable with a friend.
Don't just focus on what your body will look like eventually. Instead think about what exercise can do for you in other aspects of your life. For instance, it can make you feel more confident, it is a great stress reducer and is a mood booster.
Lastly, be thankful for who you are inside and out. Be grateful you can move around freely. Not everyone has the option to do physical activity so be happy you do!