M2A! October (Exercise) Week1: The Question
Last month was the introduction of Motivate2ACTION! (a series of posts structured by themes and focused on taking action in your life). The theme was ‘Comfort Zone’. It was really interesting reading about the different perspectives on the subject and hearing how others’ struggle to break free from the confines of their comfort. By the end of the month we were able to dig a little deeper into the subject and make a little progress. Overall it was great first month for the series.
This month I am very excited because the theme is ‘Exercise’! I’ve been regularly exercising for the last decade or so. If you read my ‘About Me‘ page you’ll see how I used to live an unhealthy lifestyle. This turned out to be a real blessing because it pushed me to do a complete 180. Now, good health is one of my highest priorities and exercise plays a big part in accomplishing this goal.
I’m not going to teach you what you already know
I don’t think there’s anyone alive that doesn’t know that exercise is a key to good health and well being. I’m not going to beat a dead horse and go through all the science behind its positive effects. So the simple comment to make is, “Exercise! It’s good for you.”
But does this help us get motivated to actually do it? Of course not. Most of the things in life that we do on a consistent basis have been proven to be necessary/desirable through experience. You can scientifically prove the benefits of exercise to a person, but it’s not until they actually ‘feel’ the benefits that they will change their habits.
This month I want us to focus on finding ways to PROVE to our bodies and our minds that regular exercise is what we WANT to do. Not what we need to do, what we WANT to do. It is not enough to know it is good, we need to be convinced that our lives will be better because of it.
The Question?
So at this point it really doesn’t matter if or how much you exercise. What matters is how you see exercise. How does the thought of a ‘workout’ make you feel? Are you convinced that you are actually better off when you exercise? Have you ever experienced the positive benefits of a consistent exercise routine?
It’s our perception of this healthy activity that makes or breaks our ability to perform it on a regular basis. So this week it is your asignment to come to terms with how you REALLY feel about this thing that we ’should’ do. It is my hope that throughout this month we will be able to paint a positive picture of this wonderful privilege that we often take for granted, as we become more convinced that we really WANT to do it.
For all those who don’t struggle to exercise regularly
I know there are many of you out there who don’t struggle to exercise on a regular basis. You probably look forward to that time of the day/week when you can get out and get your heart pumping. We need you involved in this as much as anybody else.
- How do you do it?
- What are the things that work for you?
- At what point in your life did you really start getting fit and what changes occurred that drove you to this decision?
11 Responses to “M2A! October (Exercise) Week1: The Question”
Comments
Read below or add a comment...
Leave A Comment...
My Social Profiles
-
-
Okay, so this fits in very nicely with my posts over the last couple of weeks! I am trying to get back into an exercise routine. I was active all Summer long with home renovations and gardening, but now with the cooler weather that is coming to an end, and need to get back to running and yoga. I asked my readers for some advice and got some very helpful comments. The one I found the most useful for me was “just do it!” So, on Monday I jumped right in and I am successfully on Day 3. I find I need to ‘just to it’ to experience the intrinsic benefits of exercising, then I can use that to stay motivated.
Urban Panther´s last blog post..
I feel replenished after a workout, like I have just had a great feeling throughout my soul. I feel like I have accomplished something worthwhile. Exercising with a motivator, or partner is helpful too.
Danny Allen´s last blog post..Get On The Right Path To Stopping An Addiction
My dad is a really big health nut, so he got me interested early on in the importance of a good diet and excercise. Then, through joining the military, I learned how to structure my excercise routines and I also learned that my body can take a lot more than I thought it could.
Now, however, I’m still trying to find a way to excercise as much as I’d like to. I’ve tried excercising in the morning when I first wake up, but I’m not a morning person and it’s impossible for me to gather enough energy in the morning to do a decent workout. I try working out right after work, but after a long day at work, I feel drained and unmotivated. I’ve tried working out in the evening, but then I can’t get to bed at a decent time because my workout rush takes a while to subside.I’ve found my ideal excercise time is right around lunch time, but with ym work schedule and gym locaiton, it’s impossible for me to work out during my lunch break.
So, right now, I try to workout after work, but sometimes I’m too lazy and just go home. I’m hoping, once I get my own business underway, I’ll have the flexibility to schedule my workout in the middle of the day when it will be most benificial to me. That’s the beauty of being your own boss!
Matt R.´s last blog post..The Chuck Effect: Computer Nerds Finally Have A Worthy Spokesman
@Urban Panther: “The one I found the most useful for me was “just do it!” So, on Monday I jumped right in and I am successfully on Day 3.”
This is very true. It’s always the first 5 minutes or so that is a struggle. Once you get into a workout you are usually good to go.
@Danny: There’s no doubt that exercise gives us energy. It’s definitely the best fuel for our productivity and motivation.
@Matt R: I also get my workouts in before dinner. For me, it’s when I need it the most. It gives me a boost to get through the rest of the day without crashing. And just when I start to come down from that energy boost I’m ready for bed.
It sounds like you’re stuck having to exercise at one particular time. At least you’re taking advantage of the time you DO have. Many would just throw in the towel.
I’m not a big fan of the act of exercising, but I’m starting to realize it’s necessary to help me maintain a structured lifestyle. I feel better about myself when I’m done working out. I walk taller.
@Matthew Dryden: “I feel better about myself when I’m done working out. I walk taller.”
I would have to agree. Working out can feel great in and of itself, but it’s not until you’re done with the activity that the real satisfaction come in.
I’ve been an “off and on” exerciser for years. As times get busy and stressful, exercise is one of the first things to go. But with it goes my energy, my strength, my sense of accomplishment and feeling good about myself and my body.
I’m in an “on again” phase, and I plan to keep it right there for the rest of my life. What’s working for me right now is a morning workout. I am SO not a morning person. Doing cardio at 5:30 am is about as appealing as…nope, can’t think of anything that even comes close.
What IS appealing is taking a Body Pump class at 5:45 a.m. I just roll out of bed, let the dog out, throw some clothes on and go. For some reason, the slow, methodical pace of lifting weights isn’t so jarring on my senses. By the time class is over, I’m usually awake enough to put in some cardio time.
Just remember, it doesn’t take THAT long to start seeing results. If you lift weights for a few weeks, all of a sudden running on the treadmill gets easier because you are physically stronger. Then you can start to increase your cardio and get fitter and slimmer. Just get started and make it something that you do for yourself. It will positively impact everything you do.
@Chris: I really appreciate you sharing this with us. Really great advise! I hope you’ll continue to be a part of our M2A! discussions. Eric.
I’m a litle late in finding this post but I’m excited about the comments.
Matt R said that he has a hard time being awake enough in the mornings…I’ve begun setting the coffee pot to auto-brew so my coffee is ready at 5am. Most of the time just knowing it’s there is enough to get me out of bed. I hang out, drink a cup of coffee or two and then grab my bag and head to the gym.
I’ve found this to be VERY effective. It gives me a little time to wake up, get some caffeine in my system and since I’m’ awake already, I’m more likely to make it to the gym.
I’ve gotten to the point now that when I don’t work out I almost crave it, I feel like I NEED it but it took a long time to get to that stage. After three days of not getting to the gym for one reason or another and I feel like a caged animal.
rrr´s last blog post..Sisyphean Weight Loss
@rrr: That’s a great coffee idea! Being a ‘hyper active’ person myself, I don’t need caffeine to get going. But for me, having something waiting there to get me going (a banana and a glass of water is all I need) is definitely an essential part of my morning if I exercise.
“After three days of not getting to the gym for one reason or another and I feel like a caged animal.”
I love this! My wife can attest to the fact that I NEED exercise! Thanks for sharing.
Eric.