Make Fitness Fun Again

There's CrossFit, HIIT training, boot camps, classes, free downloadable programs and countless other things to help you get into shape and reach your goals. But have any of us actually taken a step back and thought, "Do I actually like doing this?"

Too often I see people join a gym, a new fitness trend or follow what they think will get them the quickest results. Within a short period of time, they aren't doing it anymore, have moved onto something else or have stopped exercising altogether. 

They're forgetting a vital component.

I'm going to use the gym as an example in this case because it's something we are all familiar with.

Personally, I only use the gym for its easily accessible equipment and nothing else. The environment can be intimidating for beginners, it can get crowded, there is so much equipment that you can easily get overwhelmed if you don't know what you're doing, people stare, you stare, you become self conscious and can get distracted...need I go on?

This is why so many people sign up to the gym and never stick to it or they develop excuses. And we all know that if you're not consistent with any workout routine, no matter how amazing it may be, you will never achieve your desired results. So how can you fix that?
​
You have to enjoy it. This is key. Find a physical activity that you enjoy doing!

For me, it's bike riding, walking, playing with my boyfriend's little brothers, doing circuits and strength training exercises at home (I am an in home trainer after all!) and going up and down the stairs really fast.

​The point is I go to the gym 1-2 times a week but I also do other enjoyable forms of physical activity so I don't end up bored or annoyed with exercise. 

"If you don't do what you love, you will never love what you do."

I believe this is true when it comes to exercise. In the past, I tried going to the gym 5 days a week. After doing this for a week, it was just too much for me. I got bored and I felt like I was on such a strict schedule that if I deviated from it it would make the whole thing pointless. I didn't even realize that I had adopted the "all or nothing" mindset, something I always work with my clients to avoid. 

"Crap! Missed a day. Well...will it really hurt if I don't go tomorrow? I've been really busy, I'll give myself a break. I'll go the day after tomorrow and make up for it." 

What ended up happening was that those few missed days turned into a two week "break". Going to the gym 5 days a week sounded nice at first, but in reality it hurt me more than it helped me. Now I know that I am capable of going 1-2 times a week and have stuck with it consistently with no problems. 

If you like going to the gym, playing tennis, heck even Pokémon GO, then that's awesome, keep at it! But be honest with yourself. If you know deep down that it won't work for you, then look towards something else or change certain factors such as the amount of days you go or the length of time. Still fit in the training that you know you'll need to reach your goals (e.g weight lifting, cardio, squats, lunges etc.) but the bulk of your time should be spent doing physical activities you enjoy that are equally beneficial. 

You'll find that you'll be able to stay more consistent and be that much closer to your path of success.

What are your thoughts? I always appreciate feedback! :)