Work through the pain. Envision your ideal self before every workout. Remind yourself why you’re doing this, and just take the plunge. There’s no doubt you’ll be miserable, but every so often you’ll catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and realize what you’re working towards. There’s a certain clarity... A high almost you’ll feel on occasion. Take it in for what it is, and do what we’re all here to do. Be your best self.
I find joy in defining milestones, tracking my accomplishments and listening to a good soundtrack or motivational video/audio.
I found the biggest thing for me personally was choosing a form of exercise I actually enjoy. For me that was boxing and having fun beating on a heavy bag. For my wife that looks very different, she finds that yoga is her best outlet for exercise. I also try to make the exercise itself more enjoyable. I made a playlist of songs that pump me up and make me want to take things on. I have that cranked up when I do my exercise. All in all it comes down to finding the exercise you enjoy doing and making the experience more positive. It’s hard to begin but over time it becomes easier.
Remembering that exercise does not always consist of dumbbells. I am a workaholic and heavy lifting is not on my to do list right now. However, I always make time for meditation. So my exercise is yoga, as it is a blend of something I already make time for (mental discipline) with exercise (physical discipline). I also have a dog that I walk every morning. So some days I can choose to walk her for 30 minutes or play chase with her for 10 minutes which contributes to her daily exercise as well. In conclusion, instead of trying to think of a new routine (1) think of something your already doing and how to modify it and (2) never settle on one form of exercise. I can either do yoga, play with my dog, or swim. Options based on mood is always awesome.
During my workout I always remind myself: pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. After my workouts I pay special notice to the positive changes I see. I try to notice improvements in energy, physical energy and try to notice my stress level (always lower than before the workout). Also, I try to be aware of the gratification I feel once I have completed a workout.
Hmm... I don’t usually feel it like pain. I like to think about it as a school project; something that you can do later but then that will be very hard. If you do it systematically day by day, you instantly feel better.
I love exercising and try to enjoy the feeling of vitality and strength. I try to breathe in through my nose into my belly and take it easy, keeping a check on my body. For me if anything is too painful or uncomfortable I adapt it so that it is easier, slowing down or pausing so I enjoy and get stronger with ease and gently.
Well, I know it is not working for everyone, but for me the biggest game changer was to go home and sleep right after work. One hour after work I am sleeping, and I have roughly 6-7 hours in the morning for myself. The other thing is, just start it, and concentrate on the first steps. If I just do 4-4 sets of pull ups+push ups, that is 15 minutes, everyone has 15 minutes. Often after the last set I feel like I can still keep going, and if not, thats still better than no exercise.
Think of why your exercising. Think of how happy you’ll be when you get more used to it. Think how much better life will be. That should keep your mouth nd of the pain
Remember to play like a child! Keep moving and trying! Make adjustments so your body is still pushing but you aren’t bringing upon injury pain. Each day you try the movement will slowly but surely become easier and you will find so much joy in this moment that the next pain will become a trigger to get to the other side because you will know you can do it! With all I have been taught so far it is always the small changes that lead to the biggest breakthroughs; so start simple and practice your small plan until your body and you meet the breakthrough that will lead you to the next thing and the next thing until you are so amazed by your own inner power!
Answers reflect the personal experiences of Fabulous community members. They are not medical or professional advice — for guidance about your health, talk to a qualified professional.
