How to break the exercise inertia ?

Ilona

FBaby wrote: »

There is no two ways about it, the only way you are going to introduce it in your life as a routine is accepting that you'll have to force yourself to do it!

Like many, I live a mad life, up early, stressful day in the office, rushing back with yet another long list of to-dos, and feeling in the evening that I'll never make it to the week-end! When I'm done with all the chores, the last thing I crave is another chore, I am desperate for comfort, ie. food, tv, reading.

So I count exercise as just another chore that is good for me... except that it is one that makes me feel wonderful afterwards, a feeling I don't get so much with my other chores. It keeps me fit, slim, and just good about myself. It's just the motivation to get up and do it that is hard however, I've found that the more it is incorporated into my every day life, the less I question whether I want to do it or not.

Then there is the euphoria when I ran my first semi marathon when I started not able to run more than 30 minutes, then the triathlon, when I could swim one length. It's all part of pushing yourself and then getting the benefits of the sense of achievement.

To make exercise work for me, I had to introduce a mental part to it, hence the setting myself goals because I don't get as much a rush of feeling good from the physical side or it than the mental.

There is no doubt that a busy life is an excuse in that if you do want to commit to it, you will make the time for it, you will only trade a comfort activity for another chore! Although now, I would rather go for a 1/2 hour run than wash the car for that same amount of time, or 1/2 hour of ironing!

Fbaby has got it right. Exercising on a regular basis makes me feel great. It's all about prioritizing, I want to live a long life so I set time aside to do a fast three mile walk every day. Exercise is near the top of my 'to do', list, housework is at the bottom.

I don't understand why some people take chances with their health, surely it's got to be the number one concern, to stay healthy for as long as possible. Why would anybody choose to eat rubbish, to sit around all day, and not do any exercise? I just don't get it. To me, looking after my health is non negotiable, I have to do it.

Ilona