There is a common belief that those “regular exercisers” approach each workout session with a smile on their face and a gleam in their eye ready to tackle whatever is on their workout plate for the day. If you scold yourself for feeling otherwise, you are not alone. There is a misunderstanding about the “right” mindset in regard to physical activity.
These statistics are nothing new. More than half of adults (56%) do not meet the recommendations for sufficient physical activity set forth by the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. U.S. adolescents and adults spend almost 8 hours a day in sedentary behaviors and as much as 36% of adults do no physical activity at all. No wonder there is a prevalence of obesity and its’ related illnesses. After 30 years in the health and fitness industry working with hundreds of clients in various settings, I have come to the conclusion that many people just don’t like it. What makes it worse is the false belief that in order to do it, you have to like it.
If you find yourself dreading your workout session, here are 3 tips to help you look at physical activity in a whole new way:
- Notice your thoughts about exercise. What is in the back of your mind as you leave work to go to the gym or as you squeeze in a lunchtime walk? Your exercise time is a gift to yourself.
- Look for ways to re-frame negative thoughts. Instead of saying, “I hate to sweat,” you might explore how to re-interpret the feeling of sweating as a great self-care by-product.
- In the middle of a workout session, notice your self-talk. Although I value honesty, sometimes telling yourself a little fib is okay. When teaching a class or working with a client, I say, “Tell yourself it feels good!” That never ceases to get some laughs and it has to potential to change one’s energy.
Don’t criticize yourself for not liking exercise but don’t let your monkey mind talk you out of it. Re-frame your approach and find your joy in living an active life.