5 Changes I Made That Make Exercise Feel Good
Exercise used to feel like punishment to me, and I didn’t want to do it. Here are 6 changes I made that helped make exercise feel fun and good, so that I kept doing it and eventually learned to love it!
1. Stop doing it by-numbers
No, I don’t mean don’t count reps! But definitely stop counting calories! Don’t make rules for yourself about how much time you need to spend exercising - just aim for doing it a few times a week, but if you aren’t enjoying a session, it’s okay to cut it short! Congratulate yourself for doing it at all! And definitely don’t do weigh-ins - the number on the scale is not an accurate measure of how fit you are, how hard you’re working, how attractive you are, or your value as a person
2. Stop comparing yourself to others
Even if we all took care of our bodies the same way, all had the same diets, our bodies would still look different – they’re supposed to! And just because someone looks “better” in your assessment doesn’t mean that they’re healthier, stronger, or happier than you are! Some of the most gorgeous people I have ever met were also some of the most self conscious. And lots of people that don’t look like fitness models are super strong! You just can’t assess someone’s fitness, or happiness, or hardly anything, by the way they look, so stop comparing!
3. Give yourself permission to NOT do the thing you hate
Do you totally hate running? How about burpees? Guess what? You don’t have to do them! There are so many different exercises out there, and so many different kinds of workouts – try new things and find out what you like!
4. Pay attention to how it feels.
If it’s painful or it sucks, it might not be the right thing or it may be more than you’re ready for. Try regressing a movement (making it easier through less weight, reps, or a more simple version) and see if that helps.
If you’re in your head about how you look while doing it, try to shift your focus to how it feels instead. Are you noticing what muscles are working? Are you paying attention to keep your core engaged? Can you squeeze your working muscles in such a way that you feel the exercise more deeply? Try to be in your body when you’re working out!
5. Give up the idea that it has to be hard to count
Sure, there are plenty of benefits to hard exercise - but there are also plenty of benefits to light and moderate-intensity exercise! It’s good to work the whole range, but it’s even more important that you find ways to enjoy your movement and feel good. So if light or moderate intensity is what you like enough to keep up a regular habit, go with that!
6. Try a small group fitness class!
Sometimes the fun of being in a group is what you need to make a workout enjoyable - especially if the group is formed by people like you! Not only will you get a good workout, you’ll also get some of your needs for socializing met, and maybe even make a few friends. If you’re in Asheville, try one of my small group workout classes for free!