Unfortunately, for many people exercising regularly can be a very difficult thing to do. Unlike me, many people see working out as a task that they don't like doing but feel obligated to do. It shouldn't be that way, exercising should be enjoyable, and it is supposed to make you feel good.
I know it is hard to start an exercise regimen as it's tough, and when your body is in pain from getting into shape, it's even harder to really enjoy yourself. These obstacles and others significantly hinder you from enjoying a good workout.
If you're just planning to start a workout programme, your goal shouldn't be to get buff or lose weight. The first step you should focus on is getting to a fitness level where you no longer hate to exercise. And for that all you need is consistency. Don't force yourself to do anything too hard or unpleasant, just make sure that you stick with it and never give up ---- like what the Nike slogan says just do it.
When I was doing my undergrad, I worked out at the university gym almost every day. I remember one day the fitness coordinator was going around the gym asking people to try their new spinning class and I told her I wasn't interested. The next day I happened to bump into her at the student centre. We started a conversation, and she mentioned that the reason she asked me to do the spinning was that they needed more participants to keep the class going. So, what did I do? I joined. I fell in love with spinning and incorporated it into my workout. Most recently, I started doing Kemetic Yoga and am enjoying it. That's all it takes, find a physical activity or an exercise regimen you really like and do it.
There’s no absolutely no reason to torture yourself at the gym. Once you're in better shape, you will enjoy pushing yourself a little harder every now and then. I love to challenge myself and encourage others to do the same. But until you get there, make yourself do something that you find enjoyable. Try and be consistent with your exercise programme. The key to being consistent in making your workout so easy/convenient/fun/awesome that not doing it just feels silly.
Here are some more tips for setting you up for a lifetime of fitness.
1. Learn ways to commit to consistency -
This is worth repeating. Make a commitment to sticking with your plan. If you find yourself not able to meet your goals, change them, so they're easier to achieve ---- remember SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time).
2. Team up with a friend
Find a gym buddy or what a call a motivator and work out together. A gym buddy offers motivation to help boost your workouts.
3. Download some good tunes.
Listening to music while working out helps to keep you motivated. Nothing gets me pumped more than hearing some loud, upbeat, blood-pumping dance music while working out, specifically during my HITT or Crossfit workouts.
4. Keep your workout fresh.
It is a good idea to switch up your workout and don't do the same thing. Doing the same workout day after day is boring. Plus, you won't see much results if your goal is to build muscles or to be lean. I often switch up my workouts to boost my metabolism and to stay energised.
5. Join a recreational sports team
Even better than one friend is a group of friends. Intramural sports teams are a fantastic way to get a few weekly workouts in. I was very active growing up and played intramural badminton, floor hockey, ringette, softball and soccer. My sister Lisa and I were the Venus and Serena Williams of badminton. I also used to play recreational tennis with friends and went swimming. Without a doubt, engaging in sporting activities are enjoyable.
I would argue that exercise is the most important habit one can have, the one that allows all of the other habits fall into place. Exercise will enable you to see and feel the benefits of striving to better yourself, enjoy it.
Sherldine TomlinsonMSc. R.Kin
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