As a trainer, I encounter my share of people who say they hate to exercise, but know they have to do it.   I usually respond by telling them that they just have not learned to love their exercise yet.  Here are three ways to love your exercise:

Choose an exercise that you like and is appropriate for your current fitness level.

So many people focus only on burning calories.  (“I hate to run, but running burns the most calories!”)  That is a recipe for disaster, because you end up hating exercise and not doing it.  Pick something you like to do, so you can stick with it over the long run.  Equally important, make sure you are doing something that is right for your fitness level.  If you spent the last 20 years sitting, it is not possible to jump right into vigorous activity without injury.  It is better to be slow and steady than quick and quit.

Vary your exercise routine.

The best exercise is the one you will do often.  Do whatever activity makes you feel good inside and out!  Have a couple of activities to choose from.  As they say, “Variety is the spice of life!”

Settle in and enjoy the process.

It is good to have goals, but loving exercise is all about loving to move your body.  Focus on enjoying what you are doing instead of “I have to do this to reach my goal.”  You will reach your goal simply because you will love moving.  A long journey doesn’t seem long when the scenery is pleasant!

If you keep these simple things in mind, soon you will love moving and be surprised at how fun exercise can be!

Mary Miriani earned a BA in Exercise Science after she learned to love exercise at age 40 and stopped worrying so much about weight loss.  (Yes, she lost weight and has kept it off over 12 years!).  She is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health/Fitness Specialist and trains clients in Naperville, Illinois.