5 Tips to Help You Stop Hating Exercise

If the word “exercise” makes you cringe, you’re not alone. Most Americans don’t get the recommended amount of physical activity — and one of the biggest reasons is simple: they just don’t enjoy it. But staying active doesn’t mean turning into a gym rat or running marathons. It’s about finding ways to move that feel good and fit into your life.

Here are five practical ways to stop dreading exercise and maybe even start to like it.

Find your jam.

Don’t force yourself into a workout that feels like punishment. Instead, find something you actually enjoy. Love being social? Try a group dance class, a rec sports league, or a walking club. Prefer quiet time? Go for a solo jog or swim. And if you’re not a morning person, skip the 6 a.m. boot camp — pick a time that actually works for you.

Give it time.

Building a new habit takes consistency. Try scheduling activity at the same time each day until it becomes part of your routine. Before long, you’ll notice when you skip it — and you might even miss it.

Build it in.

Instead of seeing exercise as “extra,” make it part of your day. Walk the dog a little longer, bike to the store, or turn your daily phone chat into a “walk and talk.” Get your family involved, too — an after-dinner walk or weekend hike can be a fun way to spend time together while staying active.

Break it up.

You don’t need a solid hour at the gym to get results. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, but you can break that into smaller sessions. Ten minutes of yoga in the morning, a quick lunchtime walk, and parking a bit farther from your destination all add up.

Keep going.

Missed a workout? No big deal. Life happens. Just pick it back up tomorrow. If your routine isn’t clicking, mix it up — try a new activity, playlist, or time of day. The key is consistency, not perfection.

The bottom line

Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. When you find what moves you — literally and figuratively — staying active feels a lot less like work and a lot more like living well.

Dr. Bobish

Dr. Bobish and her team’s goal is to help you reduce your risk of heart disease. Helping you to understand your risk factors and make healthful lifestyle changes.

Remember regardless of age or current state of health it is never too late to start protecting your heart. It is also never too soon and the sooner you act the better. Follow us on Facebook to see our latest post helping to keep you heart healthy. You can also explore all our articles that offer diet and exercise tips, recipes and information on procedures and heart disease.

Dr. Bobish and her team focus on preventative care and are here to support you. Alpine Cardiology provides patients with education as well as compassionate care and treatment. We are committed to keeping you healthy and heart smart! Request an appointment at 989-448-7002