The benefits of regular exercise are hard to exaggerate. It can help stave off depression, strengthen muscles, solidify bones, reduce risk for heart disease, reduce body fat, boost brain health, mitigate stress, and the list goes on. So why do some people dread it? Why do some treat going out for a jog like getting a root canal at the dentist’s office? Here are a few ideas as to why some people are exercise averse, and a few more for getting past those obstacles and out the door (or into the gym):
1. Soreness
Exercise hurts! Well, sometimes anyway. Starting a new exercise routine often means awakening muscle fibers you don’t use very often. Those muscles can sometimes be a little more vulnerable to damage. But guess what: when they repair themselves, they’ll be that much better at dealing with it next time—so keep at it! Also, try including an Access Bar® before each workout. It’ll reduce your soreness, boost your performance and help you burn a little more body fat along the way.
2. Flying solo
Sometimes adopting a new exercise routine means going to a new place (like the gym, the pool or the track). It can be a little intimidating to go sweat and strain in front of people you don’t know—especially when those people look like movie stars in their workout clothing. Some folks need company when they work out, so bring a friend, take a class or join an existing workout group. Tell your BFF you’ll give her an Access Bar® if she’ll join you at the gym.
3. Fitting it in
Exercise might mean changing up your schedule, missing your favorite show or even giving up some other worthy hobby. But if you’re determined to enjoy those benefits (the ones listed above), you’ll need to find a way to fit your workout in. If you need to, sit down with a spouse, business partner or whoever and calendar out your week so they know when you’ll be working out. Tell them you need to make exercise a non-negotiable (because hey, who doesn’t?), and ask them to get onboard with your workout routine. Getting a little buy-in from the important people in your life will make your regimen easier to keep up.
4. Getting results
If you’re expecting to hit the gym once and become a supermodel, you may be disappointed. The real benefits of exercise come over time, and that means you’ll need to be patient and stick with it. In the meantime, set milestone goals—run farther, lift more weight, make it through the whole class and then come back for another one, etc. If you get caught up in your milestones, you’ll someday be surprised to look in the mirror and see a slimmer, stronger you.
5. Fatigue
If you keep up the same routine nonstop for months on end, you’ll eventually reach a point that feels something like burnout. When that happens, you’ll be tempted to take a week, sit down in front of the TV and munch on some junk food. Don’t do it! Instead, just switch up your routine. If you’ve been running or cycling, visit the weight room. If you’ve been pumping iron, try the swimming pool. It’ll restore your excitement for your next workout and make you a more complete athlete.
6. Nutrition
You wouldn’t put sugar in the gas tank of your favorite sports car, and you need to be just as discerning about the fuel you workout with. Fill in the gaps in your nutrition with the Vitality Pack®.
It isn’t easy to climb out of your comfortable bed first thing in the morning and venture out into the cold for a jog, but when you’re happier and healthier, you’ll be glad you made some sacrifices to achieve your wellness goals.
Want to be slimmer, stronger, faster, healthier, happier and smarter? Want to sleep better and feel less stressed? Put aside your dread and get moving!
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