Do you love exercise or the idea of exercise?
by Andrew Nelson for www.getfitnyc.com
Just today I had a client confess to me that he does not even like the idea of exercise. He is a neurologist and knows all of the benefits of exercise from better weight control to better functioning muscles. He just does not like to do it. However, he dislikes even more the thought of going on insulin or another drug and losing muscle function.
We know the benefits of exercise; the news and the government tell us the benefits all the time. We know that fitness and weight loss often go hand in hand. A healthy weight can be achieved and maintained by performing weight bearing exercises, cardiovascular exercise and adhering to a healthy eating plan. This is not new information. The idea of it is not new either, but starting and sticking to a plan may be new to you.
Try to enjoy the idea of exercise first. If that does not work, then try catching up with the new person you want to become. A combination of cardiovascular and weight bearing exercise have been proven to combat depression. If you aren't satisfied with how your body looks, exercise and good nutrition will help you look better.
I know I sound like I am selling exercise; but you know what is good for you and what is not. The very idea of inactivity seems very unnatural. We are designed to move about. Our bodies love to move. Our cells begin to kill themselves when we don't move. Cells start resisting natural, healthy processes of the body like resistance to insulin. Our bodies begin to rebel when we treat them poorly. Try to enjoy your exercise from the beginning. Find out what motivates you. Do it to enjoy your grand kids. Do it to live to see your child's graduation. Do it because you don't like to have to see a doctor more than once a year for an annual check up. Do it to improve your sense of well being.
Here are a few ways to make exercise more enjoyable:
1. Listen to music. The theme from "Rocky" has actually been shown to have a positive effect on workouts.
2. Find a friend to exercise with. That way you have someone there to motivate you on the days you want to quit.
3. Join a group. Being social can keep you more motivated to continue exercising.
4. Hire a professional. A trainer, coach or instructor can help you maximize your time, keep you focused, and guide you through the exercises.
5. Smile when you workout. Smiling and laughing send a positive message to the brain that helps to make bouts of exercise more enjoyable.
Have fun and do something healthy today.
Please comment if you like what you read. Have your friends read and follow my blog( the more followers I have the more I want to write).
I will answer questions when they are in the comment section.
I also hate to exercise, but you put things in perspective. I do not like the way I look and feel and exercise and good nutrition will help me feel and look better. Thanks for the uplifting blog. I will Try to make it FUN!! Keep up the great writing. I will be checking in :)
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