Exercise to Feel Good, Not to Lose Weight

After eating the extra slice of pizza on the weekend, do you find yourself spending an extra hour in the gym? Society has created this false notion that we should just exercise to lose weight, but for many of us this belief ends up causing us to hate exercising instead of enjoying it. In order to start enjoying working out, you need to change your mindset towards working out. It is time to get rid of the negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.

There are countless health benefits from working out, but if we come obsessed with just trying to lose weight, we will not be able to appreciate them. The first step in letting go of your connection to exercise with weight loss is by adjusting your goals. Your goal for exercising should be about getting stronger, or just plain happiness. Exercise can be fun if you let it be! Find the workout routine that makes you happy! This could be signing up for spin classes, HITT workouts, yoga, running, swimming, walking, Zumba, kickboxing, cycling, and so much more. Find one or numerous that allows you to feel STRONG and HAPPY. Moreover, find the exercise that allows you to look forward to your next workout instead of dreading it. Working out should be about gaining confidence, feeling powerful, and overall happiness. Research has proven it can reduce depression, anxiety, and stress. In addition to improving your memory, causing high self-esteem, helping you sleep, and providing energy. It is time to smile after your workout instead of stepping onto the scale. Below I have provided more tips on how to start making your workout routine enjoyable.

Tips to Make Exercise Enjoyable!

1) Plan Workouts around your Energy Levels: If you are a morning person, you could try to get your workout in before work. It all depends on your schedule and when you feel your best. Just try to find a routine that works for you and stay consistent.

2) Workout with Friends: If you exercise with others, it can help you both stay committed and make it more enjoyable. Or you can make it a family activity.

3) Find the Workout that Works for You: If you have trouble finding a workout that works for you, it may be helpful to check out workout classes near you. You might be surprised about all the different options. However, you do not need to go to a gym or a workout class. Even just walking around your neighborhood counts as exercise.

4) Listen to Music: Play your favorite tunes, instead of working out in silence.

5) Take Break Days: It is okay to take break days and to reward yourself. On your break days, you can just take a bath and give your body that time it needs to restore and relax.

6) Reward Yourself: It is important to reward yourself once in a while. Rewarding yourself can help you stay motivated. Rewarding yourself could be picking up your favorite food, a stay-at-home movie night, or buying yourself something nice.

7) Pump Yourself Up: My absolute favorite! Before working out do whatever makes you excited. This could be putting on your headphones and jamming out to your favorite songs or putting on your favorite workout outfit. It is all about a positive attitude! Remember you GOT THIS!

It is time for you to start changing your workout routine, goals, and your view of exercise in order to look forward to exercising. Life is short, so do not waste an hour of your time staying at the gym punishing your body for that cheat meal you had this weekend. Stay at the gym longer because you are feeling strong, powerful, motivated, confident, and are having fun. Let us start ending our workouts with a smile.