Exercise Can Be Fun … Or Not

I’m one of those sedentary people who would rather spend 12 hours working on my computer then 2 hours of doing physical exercise. Since I work from home, it’s a real challenge to break myself away and get out and do something that will make me sweat. I’ve slowly learned to do it, but it’s not easy and for me, it will never be something I enjoy as much as writing a good article or designing a new logo for one of my clients. However, over the years I’ve learned how important exercise really is for a healthy life.

Physical fitness may actually be the ultimate investment opportunity. Think of it this way: if you’re willing to make the commitment (investment), you’ll feel and look healthier, have an abundance of energy, be more self-confident, more productive and discover a more joyous and fulfilling life.

These are rewards money cannot buy. The investment of exercise becomes even more attractive when you consider there is absolutely no down-side risk. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Yet many of us fail to act on this opportunity. We simply choose to procrastinate or ignore the proven benefits of exercise!

Here are a few excuses people (me included) use when they choose not to “step out” and just do it:

Sometimes our vision gets clouded and we lose track of what’s really important. Regular physical exercise is one of those activities that is easy to put off because there doesn’t seem to be any immediate, measurable benefit.

If you look at the “big” picture too often it can seem overwhelming. The bigger the task, the more overwhelming it can seem. So, with physical exercise, it’s best to break the task into smaller pieces. If you need to lose 50 pounds, try losing 10 pounds and repeat the process five times! Do you need to start an exercise program? Begin with short, simple exercises and then slowly expand your routine. Don’t exercise too hard when first starting-out or you will become stiff, tired, disillusioned and soon quit.

How many times have you failed to get started because of a fear of failure? So, best to just take that first step, acknowledge the fear and the next step will come easier. Once fears are acknowledged, they quite often disappear.

Sometimes we assume a task is unpleasant or boring and this is certainly true when it comes to exercise. There are days when I just plain lack any motivation to keep going. It’s human nature. On days like these I focus on ‘why’ I’m are doing it and the long term benefits.

Indecision is self-defeating, so I find it’s best to get busy and do “something.” There are no wrong choices and very few choices that can’t be undone or done again. If you can’t decide on a particular exercise program or routine, then just pick a few simple exercises and get started. If you aren’t enjoying it then just go on to the next exercise.

When you lack the will power to get started, take a deep breath and try to understand why. Are you hesitating because you really lack the skill or is it just your imagination? If it’s real, find out where you can gain the skills you need or find someone with the right skills who can help. In the case of exercise, finding a qualified personal fitness trainer can sometimes do the trick, but be wary … some PFT’s are overzealous and tend to start newcomers on programs that are too strenuous.

Life just seems too busy to find time for such activities. For many people, large, uninterrupted chunks of time are very hard to come by. But if we’re honest, when they do come, we’d probably rather do sit in front of the TV! Exercise has to become part of your routine. It can’t be an option. Make it a high priority just the same as your career and you’ll be surprised at how easy exercise becomes when approached this way!

Have you ever subconsciously (or otherwise) invited distractions so that you have a “good” excuse not to get something done? Sometimes it’s the simple things like answering the phone or sitting down to watch that “one” TV program, that distract us. When you find yourself doing this, take control of the situation and make a conscious decision to do what you are avoiding.

To reap the benefits of exercise, or any other health related endeavor, you must decide to become a willing participant. This will require due diligence on your part. But remember, as you embark on your exercise routine, you are investing in something near and dear to your own heart … your own life and a future of healthier living.

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Glenn Cutforth is a writer, eBook publisher and graphic designer.

Visit his websites at: Self-Help and Wellness.com and The Complete Cat.com

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