How to Exercise When You Hate It

We all know working out is good for us, but for many it’s about as fun as eating a plate of raw Brussels sprouts. 😂 Good news, you don’t ever have to eat raw Brussels sprouts. Even better news? You don’t have to work out.

Right now you’re probably thinking, ‘What? This girl is crazy. Of course you have to work out, unless you want to look like the Michelin Man?’

Okay, here is the caveat… You do still have to move. 😉

In our culture, we have come to associate exercise and working out as punishment. Consequently, a lot of us rebel against the idea of being punished. “No pain, no gain” isn’t a very motivating thought for the subconscious mind. Our minds just want to protect us from pain!

Let’s think about this a bit. What images come up for you when you think of working out? I picture very fit, toned people drenched in sweat. 🏃‍♀️ Which is great, except that many of us don’t identify with that image. It doesn’t feel like us, we don’t picture ourselves that way, and so we are resistant to doing something that we can’t identify with.

Are you ready for the trick? Find a way to move your body that you enjoy and that makes you feel like your true self. When exercise feels more enjoyable, and less like pretending to be someone you’re not, it’s much easier to make movement a part of your life.

So, instead of trying to psych yourself into doing something you hate, ask your body “what type of movement would feel good today?” Totally ditch the words “working out” and “exercise” if they make you bristle.

Here’s a Movement Menu to give you some options. Even if you’ve given yourself the title of Master Couch Potato, I bet there is something you’ll like. 😜

As you look at the menu, think of what you enjoyed as a kid. Reawakening our inner child can help us reconnect with our true selves. Maybe you stopped playing your favorite sport because you weren’t going to turn pro. Or maybe I stopped dancing because I felt too old and too cool. Well, guess what? I’m not too cool anymore and neither are you! (I really was never that cool.) 😂

Try doing something you loved as a child and see what it wakes up inside of you. A great way to do that if you’re a parent, is to get your kids involved. Personally, I never have had so much fun, laughed so hard, or sweat so much as during a living room dance party with my boys.

As you get accustomed to doing some movement each day (and actually enjoying it), something really weird starts to happen. You start to associate yourself with those strong, toned people. 😉 Or, at the very least, you start to identify with a stronger, healthier version of you. And, you just might get addicted to how good it feels to get up and move. 💃🏻🕺🏼

I know I haven’t thought of everything here, and nothing else would fit on the graphic anyways! 😆 Will you share your favorite ways to get moving? Can’t wait to hear from you!

Safety Note: The items on the movement menu are just ideas and not all are suitable for every body. Only you know your body, fitness level, and what movement is safe for you to do. Trying any movement is at your own risk. Consult a physician to make sure you are healthy enough before embarking on any exercise program.