Change your mind about exercise

There's never a bad workout. We all exercise for our own reasons; some exercise for health reasons, some to feel more confident, and some, a very small few workout because they enjoy it. Most people have multiple reasons, which- the more motivation the better! 

There's many.

If I don't exercise first thing in the morning I most likely won't be able to. I got into this field and opened my own gym to change people's opinions of working out. A lot of people see exercise as something the have to do, I see it as something I am able to do, and something I love and look forward to doing. 

How can you change your mind about exercise? First, let's explore your why. Are you exercising because you think you have to or because of the joy you get from it. 
If the answer was "because someone told me to" might be working for now. The drive you feel from being told those words, for whatever reason, will stick with you for a while. But what happens if and when adversity strikes? Will that drive continue when there are other factors pulling you in 10 different directions? Right now you might say yes, and I applaud you for that but very rarely in my 8 years of personal training have I seen someone pull through. 

If your answer was "because I get joy from it" I am happy for you. It's not easy searching deep within and finding reason you truly enjoy working out. 

But back to you- everyone who was told to exercise. Here are some tips I often tell people in your situation. 
1. If you still don't enjoy working out.. then maybe you're doing something you just don't like. Think of coffee- if there's a brand you like you'll most likely keep buying it, right? Why is exercise any different? I can't tell you how many people run because they think they have to to be fit. NO. You don't have to run. Try hiking, try power walking, try cycling. There are other cardio exercises to do that you might actually like. 

2. You're not tuning into yourself. Because you are just doing what you're told- you aren't thinking of the mental and physical benefits. The next few workouts, jot down in your phone how to feel after. Yes, you'll be sore. Think of other things- is your head more clear? If you were feeling tired before, are you more energetic? If you were stressed about something, did some of that stress go away knowing you did something for yourself? If you were feeling bad about your self image or worth- do you feel empowered that you were able to lift x weight? I know we don't have all the time in the world so if you're someone that literally has only 60 minutes to exercise. Take 5 of those minutes to self reflect after. I promise, it is worth it.

My goal is not to overwhelm you. Even those two tips can greatly impact how you think about exercise and in the long run-if you can truly enjoy spending time to yourself to get your heart rate up, you'll stick to it even when times are rough. 

I hope these tips help. If they did, I'd love to hear from you. Keep being strong.