To Sara of Fit by Sara: “I know I need to exercise because it’s good for my body and my looks…but I really don’t like it. Any suggestions to get motivated to exercise even if I dislike it?”
From Fit by Sara: “Most people don’t like exercise because they associate it with discomfort. They might feel that it’s hard, they don’t like to sweat, or they don’t like sore muscles. The best way to start liking exercise is to associate it with positive things such as it’s “me time”- either time for you to be by yourself or to spend with a friend. Other positive associations are you’ll feel great and more energized after you exercise because exercise produces endorphins which give a natural high. Exercise is also good for your heart & bones, and beautifies your body. Now that you have the positives, start small with just a 5 minute walk around the block. Gradually progress to 10 min. then 20, 30 min. and so on. After just 2 weeks of exercising 3 x per week you will actually want to exercise because your body will crave those feel good hormones exercise produces.” -Sara Holliday MFT, CPT