I hate exercise!
But I am actively working to change that thought pattern. The truth is I have hated to exercise for most of my life and it's hard to change old habits of stinkin' thinkin'.
I work with clients all the time on their negative thoughts and limiting beliefs - whether it's about money or relationships or work or family... you name it. But now I'm working on some of my own.
I've been working on some health issues lately and one of the important components to regaining my health is daily movement. I thought if I was doing something 30 minutes 3 times a week, I was doing pretty well. But my doctor is encouraging me to do something active every single day.
Here is my inner battle to shift my stinkin' thinkin' about exercise:
"I hate to exercise!"
"C'mon, E. Is that really true? You don't hate all exercise and you don't hate it all the time. There are some parts you like sometimes."
"Oh yeah, like what?"
"Well, you like being out in nature when you walk Andy in the woods."
"Um, yeah, I guess so. But I hate to sweat!"
" Yes, but remember that guy you dated in college who thought that sweat was sexy? Try to remember that."
"Uh, OK. But I get so tired when I exercise."
"Just think how tired you get when you don't work out for several days in a row. Exercise actually helps you to feel better and have more energy, even when it's hard to get motivated."
"Yes, you're right. OK so what can I think so that I can have a more positive attitude? I don't want to say stuff that isn't true for me!"
"Well, try these affirmations:
- I feel great after I exercise.
- My body gets healthier each time I work out.
- Andy needs to be walked anyway!
- I am learning to appreciate the important role of exercise in my life.
- I sleep better when I exercise.
Everytime I catch myself thinking 'I hate exercise" I immediately stop myself and say "WAIT! that's not totally a true statement. What is true for me?"
Try it and see what works for you... let me know what habits you are trying to change.
goals and motivation
Hate Exercise
oh no! you mean everybody hates exercise?
actually, i don't hate it, i just don't do it.
i've tried the various motivators to very little avail - do extra walking in your daily routines (steps, park farther away, etc.), mix 'em up by alternating the exercises you like (yoga, walking, tai chi), have bought exercise videos AND joined classes/gyms that i wasted money on.
and still, the bowflex and the belly-dancing video and the rubber band just sit, with dust, unused.
i wrangle with do i like exercise with other people, or alone? should i join a class or save money and use my videos? do i get up and exercise in the morning to get it over with or go by my biorhythm and do in evening? dogs need exercise, that should motivate me.
NOT. have to rethink all this and get off the fence, huh? why is it such a mental block?
guess i will just commit to it - a goal for a month (forever is too long!) and the positive effects will hopefully spur me on to a lifestyle.
thanks for making me think about it ... again.
Exercise and goals
Another great way to get over "I hate exercise" is to have a goal. In other words, why are you exercising? Try not to get wrapped up in superficial "I want to be skinnier" goals, but think about why you are exercising to begin with? As women age, it's the best thing for bone density...want to stand up straight when you're 60? What about working out stress? Take your frustations out on that eliptical machine. Those are just a few idea. Make sure they are goals that are achievable and important to you at this stage of your life, and you'll forget that you hate to exercise, and look forward to the next day when you can make another deposit in that goal bank. Good luck!