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subject: 5 Tips for Gearing Up to Exercise [print this page]

A reader recently shared with me her difficulty in finding the motivation to

exercise.

It's a common problem, but a lack of motivation to exercise can kill your

weight loss efforts.

In order to circumvent this problem, I'd like to share five tips.

1.) Keep an open mind. If you dislike exercise, it means you've built up a

mental resistance to it. Open your mind to the possibility that you may learn

to find it enjoyable.

Many people have done just that and find themselves uneasy when they don't

get to move their bodies.

2.) Explore different types of exercise. Do you think you have to jog your

way to slenderness or pump iron at a gym until you're blue in the face? If

these types of exercise turn you off, realize that there are many pleasurable

ways of moving your body, including taking beautiful bike rides, learning to

dance, or skating down the sidewalk. Even sex counts. It doesn't have to be a

bore or a chore.

3.) Make exercise a habit. The hardest time to exercise is when you haven't

been doing it. And once you get into a routine, the hardest time is when you

have to start your next session. But once you get into it, it becomes easier,

if not downright enjoyable as those pleasure-giving endorphins kick in.

I'll give you a couple examples: The first few minutes on an elliptical

machine are usually difficult for me. But once I catch my stride, the rest of

the session flies by quickly.

Likewise, getting on my bike in the morning can sometimes be a pain. But once

I get going, I enjoy it so much I almost don't want to stop.

4.) Realize that exercising is a necessary. Brushing your teeth isn't much

fun, either, is it? But are you going to face your day without doing so?

Surrender to the idea that exercising isn't an option, it's a necessity. It's

as necessary to your health as eating, sleeping, and brushing your teeth.

5.) Shift your perspective. It's not "I have to exercise," it's "I get to

exercise." Truth be told, exercising is a privelege. Just ask anyone confined

to a hospital bed or without the use of their limbs. We are lucky if we're

blessed with a body that can move about in the world.

And here's a bonus tip: Just keep focusing on how pleased with yourself

you're going to be when you reach your weight loss goal and how much fun it's

going to be when you can fit back into those skinny jeans -- or get to go out

and buy some new ones.

5 Tips for Gearing Up to Exercise

By: jed loom

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