I figured out what was missing.
Maybe it’s possible for you to too.
The most I get is sweat in my eyes and the overwhelming desire toneverexercise again.
This question haunts me becauselife having a sense of humorIm a nurse.
I tell my patients all the time that exercise is important.
That movement is medicine.
licensed therapist and eating disorder clinician at Honor Nutrition and Counseling
That just 30 minutes a day can improve their health.
I share evidence-based facts about exercising.
And yet, mygym membershiphas basically been a monthly donation to a place I rarely visit.
Guess how that turned out?
Yep, it just sits there, collecting dust, silently mocking me.
(Anyone else in the same boat?)
But I wasnt always like this.
But somewhere along the way, exercise started feeling like a chore.
A miserable, uncomfortable, time-dragging chore.
licensed therapist and eating disorder clinician at Honor Nutrition and Counseling
Ive learned that Ill never loveburpees(does anyone really?)
or get excited aboutlifting weights.
Below, I’ll share what worked for me, along with insights from experts.
But first, why do people avoid exercise?
Let’s start with thepractical barriers.
For most people, though, the biggest roadblocks tend to be time constraints.
Even when time isnt an issue, psychological barriers can be.
The gym environment itself can be another psychological hurdle.
Its all too easy to quickly get unmotivated and head for the exit, she adds.
Then there are environmental and resource barriers.
Limited access to safe outdoor spaces, pricey gym memberships, and inconvenient facilities can add to the challenge.
And if all that wasn’t enough, your genes may also have a say.
But what if, like me, none of these barriers quite explain the resistance to exercise?
In my case, I had to dig deeper.
Sure, lack of motivation was the surface-level answer, but motivation can be complex.
Heres Exactly How It Can Affect Your Poop
Understanding this was my wake-up call.
Without someone counting on me to show up, I could easily talk myself out of exercising.
Without someone waiting for me at the gym, I could generate an endless list of eye-rolling excuses.
What it’s possible for you to do to enjoy physical activity
Making exercising workfor youis personal.
It will likely take time to figure out what that looks like, and thats okay.
The truth is, you might never enjoy exercising, and that’s fine too.
And with accountability being my missing piece, Ihired a personal trainer.
I know that can be a significant investment, and it’s not feasible for everyone.
As for my cardio?
I follow free dance tutorials (usually Salsa) on YouTube.
I turn on the video, clear some space, and spend 30 minutesdancingaway.
I don’t think of dancing as exercise.
I just enjoy the music and movement, work up a sweat, and get my heart pumping.
So, how much exercise do you *really *need?
Its probably less than you think.
You dont have to spend hours at the gym or commit to an intense training plan.
That first option (150 minutes a week) could mean 30 minutes, five days a week.
And you don’t have to do it all at once.
Movement doesnt have to mean structured workouts, either.
Activities like gardening, playing with your kids, taking the stairs, or even cleaning the house count.
The bottom line
Missing a workout or falling out of the habit doesnt mean youve failed.
It just means youre human.
Give yourself the same kindness youd give a friend, and keep experimenting until you find what clicks.
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