I used to hate exercising, but now I work out at least five times a week -- and I love it. What happened? It didn't happen overnight, that's for sure. But I'll let you in on my secrets to exercising regularly and enjoying it.
I'm not kidding when I say I hated exercise. I was a bookish girl, slow and clumsy. I couldn't catch or throw or even lift anything heavier than a hardback novel. I didn't mind taking long walks, but running? Running is what desperate people do when they're being chased by a velociraptor or a serial killer. Running was the absolute worst.
So how did I get here?
1. Yoga is the gateway drug. It probably started with the yoga classes I started taking. It was trendy and relaxing, and felt more like a spiritual activity than exercise. Yoga taught me how to focus on my breath and use it. It taught me the importance of good form, and to extend myself fully with every move. And it taught me how to be aware of my whole body, how it feels as I move, from fingers to toes.
I've applied all those lessons to every form of exercise ever since.
2. I don't have a car. But I wanted to get all over parts of Brooklyn that weren't accessible by subway. So I took up biking, going on long rides on the weekend.
3. My doctor prescribed cardio. When I separated from my husband I talked with my doctor about how to ward off depression and she recommended doing cardio exercise three to four times a week. So I started biking through the park in the mornings before work, which was the only time that worked for my schedule.
4. I joined a gym. After many happy months biking through the park I got a flat. I never got around to fixing that flat, and anyway, it was starting to get cold. So I joined a gym and took up the closest thing: Spin class. I started doing a 6:30 A.M. class twice a week. Paying money for my membership was extra incentive to show up.
5. I dug in and got hooked on the endorphins. I was lucky to have an amazing spin instructor who didn't just urge us to work hard -- she told us things like, "You are making the world a better place by making yourself stronger!" I felt inspired, and when she pushed us to pedal harder, faster, I closed my eyes and took myself to another plane of existence. It was grueling and exhilarating.
Those endorphins are real, and they're powerful. They're like taking drugs only without the terrible side effects.
6. There are fun ways to work out. Besides that intense spin class I showed up for Zumba at the gym on Saturday mornings. I am a terrible dancer, but it was fun trying to keep up, and I think I even loosened up from my classic Nerd Shuffle. It was a solid workout, too -- not as rigorous as spin, but good enough.
7. I found a workout partner. My boyfriend talked me into trying running so we could run together. I was willing to try my least favorite activity because he made it sound fun. I don't know if anyone else could have talked me into it. When it got cold we moved indoors and he introduced me to strength training. It sounds so dorky, but we love working out together, and we inspire each other.
Having a workout partner -- or a partner who works out with you -- keeps you going.
8. Good shoes and equipment actually do help. But what really made the difference was when he insisted I get my stride and pace evaluated and get fitted for some quality running shoes. They made me feel like the bionic woman -- in a great way. I don't spend a lot on workout gear in general, but having just a few functional pieces that look great makes me feel more comfortable and helps me focus on my workout.
9. Change your routine and fit it in where you can. As you can see, over the years I've tried a lot of things. Mornings weren't working for me for a while so I started sneaking out of the office to go for a quick afternoon run. Now that it's spring again, I'm back to running and doing strength training mostly in the morning. Mixing it up keeps your body from getting too comfortable (which is when you stop working hard), and it keeps me from getting bored.
What works today may not work a few months for now, and that's okay. In fact, that's for the best.
10. Getting a little stronger makes you want to get even stronger. It's true. The first time you reach down and feel actual muscle in your leg it makes you feel like a superhero. It's empowering. It takes a while to get there (approximately six weeks or regular work for your muscles to start changing) but once you get those first results you just want more.
Do you know of any secrets to working out and enjoying it?
Images via Warren Goldswain/Shutterstock, Danielle Guenther for T.J. Maxx