How to change your mindset about exercise?

Hi! I am in the same boat! I force myself to do them too. I often find excuses not to as well. I have a stationary bike, elliptical, dvd's, and a Wii. You would think I wouldn't be bored doing them, its just the thought of doing it.

I am going to follow this to see what kind of ideas someone might have!

I hate working out...and i hate flossing my teeth and cleaning house and doing dishes...but you just have to view it as something you just have to do.

Results will change your mind.

We enjoy walking, swimming, hiking, etc. but the idea of doing a workout video in the living room brings this feeling of dread. Unfortunately, those outdoors things are really hard to do during the winter and they aren't very practical to do every day, even in the summer.

I wholeheartedly disagree. You would never find me doing a workout DVD and rarely would you find me on some piece of cardio equipment. If I'm in the gym you will find me in the weight room...otherwise you will find me out on a hike, or out for a walk, riding my bike, swimming, etc. I do these things 5-6 days per week, summer, fall, winter, spring...

i agree with the people above who said to try some classes at the gym...they are great for motivation and making new friends!

also, just because it's winter doesn't mean you have to stay inside! In the winter you can ski or snowboard, cross country ski, snowshoe, or hike in the snow, and there are some crazy people who still go running in the ice and snow! Just bundle up and get out there

I'm one who has always *loathed* the idea of exercise for the sake of exercise. Like you, I enjoy swimming and walking, but I used to say, "The only time you'll see me running is if there's a bear behind me!"

However, I have learned that after 2 weeks of working out 6 days per week, I finally got that feeling that people get addicted to. I've been at it 6 weeks now, and I can't say I'm addicted, but I do love the feeling I get after a good workout. If you make yourself do it for a bit, you'll get to a point where it's not so bad. You might even enjoy it. You just have to push through that initial phase. For me, it was 2 weeks, but it might be different for you. Starting my workout is the hardest part, once I'm moving, I don't mind it, and I'm determined to finish.

One of the things that got me working out regularly was Just Dance 4 on the PlayStation... the kids had a BALL laughing at my goofy moves in the beginning... But now I can score higher than them on some of the songs. They never thought mom would kick their butts! Dancing is a great family activity!

And, having a buddy helped a LOT. My niece was here over the holidays, so we worked out together for the first 10 days or so. That made a huge difference in forming habits and knowing exactly what to do.

I agree with the gym classes... even if it's only once per week, you might find yourself motivated to work out at home the rest of the week, in prep for the next class.

In the past, when I decided to "start working out," I always thought I had to do push ups and sit ups (the two things I hate most). I would push myself too hard (thinking, if you're going to do something, do it right!) and get really, really sore, then quit before I ever saw success.

This time, I decided the whole idea is to simply move more and eat less, and to do it more gradually. So, I do whatever I feel like that day, as long as I *do* something. I've discovered that I like step aerobics a heck of a lot more than the elliptical trainer or treadmill, and it burns more calories. For me, I have to mix it up. Doing the same thing for long periods is not going to help me make this a life change.

Find the thing you hate the least and do that. Always try new things, you might be surprised by what you enjoy. Start small to create good habits, and worry about burning tons of calories later, after those good habits are formed. They say it takes 21 days to form a habit (good or bad), so stick to it for at least 3 weeks. If you do it right, you will likely see a difference in that time.

I get out and just do it. I've also found an app that makes me want to get out and go for a walk. Zombies, Run has probably been one of the best motivators for me. There's such an interesting storyline to me that I just want to get up and play the next chapter in it (it feels a lot like a good book where I just have to read one more chapter). And I don't let the weather stop me. I just invested in a hat, thicker pants, and a good jacket since we had some brutal storms coming through. If I want to get out and go, I will go.

I've also found a supportive group that has got me started on doing bodyweight strength training. Having the support and accountability to just do it has helped a lot.

Cliche it may be, but I cannot stress enough about LOVING what you do. I was not atheltic but for a while subscribed to the old school gym (teeny bit cardio, weight machine, free weights). I got some good results but DREADED every session.

In the past few years, partly because of the home workout movements and the development of new, body-weight-focused exercises, I actually look forward to moving.

It's a long story, but here're some suggestions
- Try out as many different exercises as you can. So many freebies these days on youtube or other sites, you can always get a taste of differnt programmes then decide which one you like.
- Find that little happy voice. I like to know that I earn that shower after my workout. I like to feel the sweat and my body grows stronger. It's a bit like looking forward to your favourite dish....you get to find that carrot that works only for you.
- At first,don't worry about completing a workout if you cannot. It's far better to move for 10 mins and enjoy it (and increase to longer periods next day) then to feel dead after completing it and don't want to see that DVD again ever!

Good luck

As for going outside and working out, I think that's great for some people, but personally, I would rather run on the treadmill until I throw up than be cold. There's nothing I hate more in this world than being cold!

<<<<< dress for the occasion. proper attire makes all the difference. this particular profile picture was brisk (temps in the teens) morning for a 25 mile ride...with proper attire I was just fine and sweating bullets by the time I was done.

I walked for months and months before i was even remotely inclined to push it up to a jog.

Now a year later I've run 5 miles!

<<<<< dress for the occasion. proper attire makes all the difference. this particular profile picture was brisk (temps in the teens) morning for a 25 mile ride...with proper attire I was just fine and sweating bullets by the time I was done.

I second this. This winter I finally invested in some really good layers--makes all the difference.