By Kristen Tobias, M.A.
The benefits of exercise are enormous. Exercise promotes cardiovascular health, cognitive functioning, mental health, and of course, can lead to a more toned physical appearance or desired weight. So, why then is it so hard, for so many people to get to the gym in any type of consistent manner? I took an informal poll of my fellow exercise avoiders to work through this problem.
A common retort was tiredness, lack of energy, or fatigue. Long days of work that start early and end with a desire to relax on the couch with DVR or Netflix was common. The problem with this habit is that inertia breeds inertia. Sitting on the couch does not give someone more energy, but fighting through fatigue and getting to the gym typically does increase energy levels. People can stand to exercise when they are really tired…if they tell themselves they can! Give up short-term comfort for the energy (and mood boost) that will come with increased physical activity.
Next, a lack of time was given as a reason for not exercising. As a busy chick, I can relate to this, but this is also not a good defense. Exercising for even 20 to 30 minutes can make a huge difference, and most people can fit this into their schedules, albeit busy, on 3 to 4 days per week. Maybe something else has to give (decreased Facebook time), or maybe the ideal exercise routine isn’t feasible (an hour long yoga class), but a short session, either at home, outside, or at a gym is reasonable for most individual on some days.
A different type of reason for not exercising was fear of judgment by other individuals at the gym. People worry that others will critique either their weight or their approach to exercise (Yes, I lift 5 pound free weights and look like an uncoordinated duck when I jog). But, even if everyone at the gym was judging you, could you stand it? Is your overall health worth it? Now that you can accept that you can stand it if people judge you, I can tell you this, odds are that nobody is paying attention to you. Most people at the gym are absorbed in their own routine, the music playing on their iPods, or thoughts about all the things they have to do once they leave the gym.
A final reason for exercise abstinence was related to frustration intolerance. While there are some exercise enthusiasts out there, many people find exercise unpleasant. This can be because exercise is perceived or endured as challenging, difficult, annoying, or boring. The truth is, exercise if hard! It does require physical and mental exertion in the moment, as well as stamina over the long haul. And while someday you may find a type of exercise that you like, exercise may never be something you really look forward to (it’s okay if it seems like a chore!). It can be helpful to view exercise as just one of those things that is really worth it to cultivate frustration tolerance for. A mantra to increase frustration tolerance of exercise might be: “While exercise is unpleasant or uncomfortable, I’d rather tolerate this and be healthy in the long run.”
Once rational thinking is consciously employed, you will be in a better position to figure out how to optimally personalize your exercise routine. You may realize that a certain time of day works better for you, or that you are more likely to exercise if you have an invigorating playlist. Some people do better solo, others with friends or in a class. You may like to do the same thing consistently and track progress, or change it up to prevent boredom. Online communities about healthy living are easily accessible and can be great for inspiration.