I Don’t Want to Work Out! Exercise for Exercise Haters

Working out and sticking to a specific regime may seem like a daunting task - especially if you don’t find any enjoyment from exercise.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably not one of those “up at the crack of dawn every day to exercise” kind of people. Don’t get me wrong - I really admire those who enjoy doing that! But if you’re like me… you’re reading this because you feel resistant to waking up early, you don’t look forward to exercising at any point in the day, and the idea of a regular workout routine… forget about it!

That is the precise reason why I want us to think about exercise in a new light - the goal is to change all the awful, frustrating, and annoying things that quantify what exercise “should be.” So, if you have that old train of thought and need a new way of doing things, check out the following alternatives.

Be warned: Some of the options listed below may include having fun!

Let’s start with a fundamental mindset change:

Don’t: Exercise

Do: Move More

Now you might be thinking -- What does that mean?

Most people associate exercise with “have-to” or “I should” or “No Pain, No Gain.” Many don’t like working out because it’s not enjoyable. It feels like torture. These negative viewpoints take over our thoughts and no true progress is made.

So, if you don’t like lifting weights or running on the treadmill, then don’t do it. Throw those ideas out. Moving more is about moving because it feels good. If you enjoy it, you’ll be more motivated to keep doing it. And here’s the sneaky part… movement IS exercise.

Movement will still give you the same benefits

• Healthier state of mind: Increases confidence and self-esteem | Boosts serotonin levels, which is our feel-good chemical that lifts our mood | Helps with relaxation which can lead to better sleep

• Healthier body: Reducing risk of injury | Reducing risks to chronic diseases such as heart attacks | Lowers blood pressure | Lowers cholesterol levels | Helps balance blood sugar levels

Do you hate exercising because it’s not enjoyable?

Or you just don’t know how to begin?

1. Get the Family Involved: Biking, Roller skating or rollerblading, Jumping on a trampoline, Playing tag with kids, Frisbee, Play a fitness based video game

2. Try a New Style: Hula-Hooping, Zumba, Yoga, AcroYoga (combo of acrobatics + Thai massage + yoga)

3. Try a New Sport: Tennis, Basketball, Golf, Fencing, Skiing, Swimming, Archery, Martial Arts

4. Get Outdoors: Hiking, Walking, Horseback Riding

5. Do Something Around the House: Gardening, Cleaning, Walk around while reading a book or browsing on your phone

6. Or when all else fails… Just Dance!

Do you hate exercising because you don’t have enough time?

Is work or traveling getting in the way?

Sneak in Exercise at Work:

1. Walk & Talk: Stand up and walk around while talking on the phone or have walking meetings if you are meeting in person.

2. Take “Active Breaks”: When you reach a breaking point, walk around outside for 10 minutes or go up and down the stairs to feel re-energized.

3. Team Challenge: Get the team involved and create mini-challenges – Do squats for one minute as a group. How many can everyone do in that one minute?

4. Something No One Will Notice: If you’re stuck sitting at your desk, pick a body part like the abs or butt cheeks - flex and hold them for 30 second. Do that 10 times.

Sneak in Exercising While Traveling:

1. BYOE (Bring Your Own Equipment): Pack a resistance band in your suite case. When you call your family to check in with them, put your phone on speaker and do a couple moves as you talk.

2. Plan Ahead: Before making the trip, look online for any nearby parks and go walking or hiking.

3. Scope Out the City: Rent a bike and explore the town by bike instead of car.

4. Something No One Will Notice: Challenge yourself to flex your abs while you walk or flex your butt cheeks while waiting in lines.

Sometimes we get stuck on “should” all too much when it comes to exercise - “I should be running an hour every day” or “I should be working out every morning before work.”

What it all boils down to is: If you don’t like doing something, DON’T DO IT!

Here are the steps I invite you to take:

1. Eliminate the "Should”

2. Go for Movement vs. Exercise

3. Let go of this old idea of what exercise means – make it a fun and exciting experience.

4. Create a list of inspiring movement options that spark your interest and try them out!

What type of movement do you want to do today? What are you most excited to try? Is there something you’ve wanted to try for a while?

Leave a comment and let me know!