I, and loads of scientific research, believe physical activity is crucial to good health. However, a majority of the population are sedentary. A recent video I watched showed me peoples perspective of exercise and this got me thinking about what some people are getting wrong.
In this Youtube video a journalist was trialling 'The Blue Print Diet' and was required to consistently exercise. He clearly doesn't like exercise and adjusts the suggested amount. In the video, as he's complaining about exercise and pondering wether he isn't wired to enjoy exercise, the video cuts to him walking, alone on a treadmill in his cluttered garage. This got me thinking...
No wonder he hates exercise! That's a horrible environment to be in! Few would endure that without being exceptionally motivated! At one point in my life all I did was exercise and I wouldn't tolerate or enjoy walking on a treadmill in that garage.
Here is why I think people find exercise so hard
Here's some tips from my experience as an athlete and a clinical dietitian to make activities more enjoyable and to stop making exercise so hard.
Get the environment right
If you wouldn't sit, work or read a book in the environment you are exercising in, it's sub optimal for enjoyment. Try and include nature, green spaces and blue spaces. Go to a forrest or body of water.
Get comfortable
Exercise is a stress on the body, too much stress leads to negative emotions. So reduce unnecessary stresses. Wear good sports clothing, get your temperature right, get the right shoes or bike, fuel and hydrate your self before and pace your energy levels through the day so you're not too tired to exercise.
Make it down time
Try making it time for you. Switch off your phone, go somewhere peaceful and forget the world.
Make it fun
Okay, this is easier said than done, but here's some simple tips. Don't choose an activity which causes you pain. Try something new, make it sociable, join a group beginner dance lesson.
Set some goals
Have a time, weight or location you want to achieve or lift. This is part of exercise I enjoy: setting myself a target I'm not certain I can achieve and then training until I do it.
Don't make it too hard
When I was an elite athlete 90% of my training would be very easy at a pace I could sustain a comfortable conversation. Don't be pushing yourself so hard you are battling survival instincts in your head.
However, to get an endorphin rush a certain level of intensity is required.
This is discussed in detail in the book 'Time and How to Spend it'.
If you have found this interesting or have some other tips please comment!
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