How do I learn to love exercise?

[Baldieheid]

Anyone any tricks to make exercising less of a chore? I work out at home and I have to FORCE myself to do it, which means I just don't. I've always got an excuse. I'm not motivated at all. Why not, I don't know. I feel horrible the way I am at the moment. I feel achy and I frighten myself with how much harder everything is to do compared to a couple of years ago. I can't go on like this. But even that's not enough to make me do it.

Does anyone else struggle? I don't understand why I'm putting these roadblocks in my own way...it's beyond stupid. I'm being a total idiot and I'm disgusted with myself.

Try Caroline's Stretch & Strength Routine - link in my post above. I bet you'll enjoy that!

Dan Lieberman's book Exercised is great at explaining why exercise is so difficult - as hunter gatherers, moving more tham we needed to to live or be part of our community was a waste of hard earned calories. Deliberately moving our bodies purely to burn calories or for the sake of other benefits is a modern and really weird phenomenon so it's no wonder we struggle. And yet at the same time our bodies unquestionably need movement to stay healthy. Worth a read (or indeed get it on an audio book so you can listen as you exercise. Podcasts and music also help inspire and distract!)

Anyway Lieberman's approach makes so much sense of why it's difficult. He also explains why it can really help to make exercise part of your daily tasks e.g. by walking or cycling to get to work or the shops - you're no longer exercising for the sake of it. Moving with others is also something really important so group classes can help a lot.

There's also a vicious circle in that the more unfit you are the harder it is to move. You have weaker muscles and heart and often more weight that they need to move, you're more prone to injury and sadly you're less likely to experience the endorphin and other highs. So getting started is often incredibly tough, and building up slowly with help from others is important.

But exercise won't always feel that tough. If you push through that tough first stage, things start to get better and better as your body starts to change and make it easier, and as you find a routine and community that supports you. Plus you will know that, however tough it feels to start that workout, you will feel so much better once you're done. You can even get a bit addicted to the way exercise clears the head and soothes stress. Good luck getting there!

Find something you enjoy. I hired a PT which gave me accountability: I've paid so have to show up. Four years later and I still go twice a week to the gym.

I have no motivation to exercise at home so don't try. But I HAVE go to the gym and love it when I'm there.

I do morning sessions because after midday I know I'll find an excuse.

I hate running so only go twice a week, but set an early alarm. I get clothes out the night before so it's one less thing to do in the morning.

I chose a gym I can walk to as well.