We’ve all had that same predawn or after-work feeling. Of course we understand that the best thing for us would be to throw on some gym pants and tennis shoes and get out there, but that doesn’t make it any more appealing, especially not when there are so many Seinfeld reruns to watch instead. The truth is, when it comes right down to it, we often just don’t want to exercise.
In this situation, what’s the right move? I wrote a column last week lobbying for realistic workouts, because I truly believe that pushing yourself beyond endurance often has the side effect of sapping interest in the whole process. But what do you do when you aren’t legitimately injured or sick and still lack the motivation to get out of your chair?
Of course, plenty of motivation experts have suggested a variety of solutions: one WebMD article suggests a range of ideas from being realistic (see?), tracking progress, finding the fun in it, making it convenient, and rewarding yourself. Many articles run along this vein, but the suggestion almost all of them have in common is finding support.
One of the biggest problems with exercise is that it’s just not very, well, fun. Even if you’re the type to love the high and get a real kick out of reaching those goals, you can still benefit from someone to share your success with, whether it’s one good friend or a group of like-minded athletes.
Truly, nothing tends to motivate like the knowledge that someone else is going to be let down if you don’t show up. Hence the rise in “buddy-system” workout trends both in and out of gyms. If you find yourself in need of an extra push, check out My Constant Motivation or Moving Parts Fitness, both motivation-oriented group experiences located right here in Portland. When you lose the ability to do it yourself, don’t give up: just go find someone to do it with.
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