You know these people: they bound out of bed in the morning ready to tackle their sunrise bike rides. They leave the office during lunch to sneak in a quick run. Or they head out of work, gym bag in hand -- and they're going to use it (not just bring it back home). They're the ones who look like they're actually enjoying themselves as they pedal furiously at Spin. Can you be more like these fitness fanatics? Experts say yes, you can teach yourself to love exercise. Get into the workout groove by mimicking their habits.
1. They Only Do Workouts They Enjoy
People who love to exercise don't waste time with activities they despise. "Too often I see people who sign up to do something like running, even though they know they hate running," says Shavise Glascoe, exercise physiologist at the Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center. Start with an activity that you're interested in or already enjoy -- it doesn't have to be what your neighbor said helped her lose weight or what the group-class trend of the moment is. What matters is that you like it. If you don't want to do it, you will make an excuse to skip it tonight (and tomorrow, and the next day).
2. They Look For Feedback
Fitness fanatics often thrive on instant feedback, says Jimmy Minardi, a former professional cyclist and personal trainer in New York City and Santa Barbara, Calif. He suggests trying out a fitness tracker that measures heart rate or calories burned, like the Fitbit Charge HR ($150; amazon.com), Withings Pulse 02 ($120; amazon.com), or the Intel Basis Peak ($200, amazon.com). That real-time feedback will help you push yourself further -- you'll always feel motivated to match or exceed your personal best -- and take your workouts to the next level. Plus, Minardi says, you'll be more connected to your training.
3. They Exercise With A Friend
Exercise addicts get by with a little help from their friends, says Glascoe. They're sure not to ditch their yoga buddy for an om-session even when they'd rather beeline straight home, and are excited to get out of bed for a morning run because they'll have the chance to chit-chat with their pals. Case in point: in a University of Southern California study, people said they had more fun and enjoyed working out more when they did it with a friend. Don't assume that none of your friends want to work out -- you may find one who wants to get in shape alongside you. But you could also find a workout buddy by joining a local running or biking club, or signing up for a recreational sports league.
4. They Get Back To Nature
When the weather outside is nasty, it's natural to want to take exercise inside. But if it's nice and bright out, bike along that lakefront path, run through your neighborhood early in the morning, or find an outdoor yoga class. "Nature makes you feel alive -- and when you feel great, you are more likely to want to do the workout again," says Minardi. Besides, in one 2011 study in Environmental Science & Technology, sweating outdoors was associated with a boost of energy, more engagement in the activity, and better mental wellbeing. Go ahead -- sweat, and say ahhh.
5. They Let Setbacks Slide
Sometimes life gets in the way of exercise, and that's okay, says Glascoe: "Studies show that people who have wiggle room in their mindset are more likely to maintain a regular exercise routine," she says. "Prepare yourself for potential barriers and come up with a backup plan." Glascoe has her clients plan the maximum and minimum number of days they want to exercise in a week. That way, if they miss one, there’s no "I've blown it" mentality. If you have to work late and can't hit Spin, tell yourself that tomorrow you’ll get back on track.
6. They Don't Think About How Much Weight They're Losing
"We seem to be more powerfully motivated when we look at the short-term, immediate benefits of exercise," says Gregory Chertok, a sport psychology consultant. Rather than focusing on the 20 pounds you want to lose (which, turns out, doesn't help us get off our butts and get moving, he says), think about the almost instantaneous extra energy you'll get with your kids, at work, or in the bedroom. And anyway, when you stop thinking about how your workouts are affecting your weight, you may actually start seeing the pounds melt away: Cornell University research suggests that framing your exercise as something other than calorie burning (like a break or "me time") can help you eat less after.
7. They Don't Care If It’s '"Traditional"
Exercise is exercise -- doesn't matter if it's at the gym or not. All types of activity count, so try baking your playtime into your workout time by becoming a member of the company kickball team, joining a beach volleyball league, or trying something you're curious about, like martial arts. "You're creating a lasting relationship with the activity, rather than simply showing up for classes," Minardi says. Other activities that count? Gardening, running in the backyard with your kids, and dancing (even if it's a dance party for one in your living room), adds Chertok.
READ MORE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/23/how-to-love-exercise_n_6903940.html?utm_hp_ref=health-fitness&ir=Health+and+Fitness
