Regular Exorcise

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I just can't motivate myself to exercise regularly. I would always start some routine... then give it up by day two. Any advice?

Yes.

* Find something you like. No one is going to stick to an exercise routine they hate. If you like the outdoors, cycling is great, or rollerblading. If you prefer privacy, Tae Bo videos are so much fun and they really transform your body. I've been doing Tae Bo since 1997 and I haven't gotten sick of it yet. A gym membership can also be motivating, especially if fun classes like Kick Fit are offered.

* Make it fun. Strap your iPod on your arm while you skate outside or rake the yard. Get a trampoline! Get on the treadmill or stationary bike while your favorite TV show is on.

* Reward yourself. A new book. A new shirt. A trip to the local aquarium. Whatever.

* Make time. Make sure you don't blame your schedule - pencil in time to be active. Make it your priority to set aside at least 30 minutes 3 times per week for your fitness.

* Remember your heart, mind and body will thank you You'll have more energy, sleep better, feel less stressed out and improve your immune system, just for starters!

A routine is critical, because you won't make much progress without it. The benefits of exercise accumulate slowly and gradually. It takes a long time to start noticing subtle effects, which only occur after doing something every other day for years. I usually try to tie exercise to something else I have to do, like going to the store. I will walk instead of driving if I don't have to carry more than about 30 lbs. Whenever I need some small thing from the store, I have a reason to move. It also saves gas. Remember to keep it up in the winter, too.

An iPod may make an exercise routine more enjoyable...

does your college have a hiking club? that way you can meet people, be outdoors and get fit all at the same time.

Incorporate your interests into the routine and make rules to follow. After you follow your exercise rules for a while, it'll get much easier to stick to. The hard part, as always, is getting started in the first place.

don't overdo it at first. some people find it really hard to motivate themselves to go to the gym 5 time a week. if you start by going twice a week and build up from there you might find it easier to actually get out.

try to stick it out until you see results, once you see the results it can get quite addictive.

if you can find someone to do it with it can really help, you'll be getting each other out and it'll be harder to skip out.

I hate exercise too.

I usually offer myself rewards - eg: If you make it at least twice per week, you can buy a DVD.

It never gets easier - well, not for me anyway.

It’s not a routine if you give it up.

Motivation definitely gets easier if you get good at the exercise/sport. I used to compete in a particular type of racing sport. That got me motivated to practice as often as physiologically optimal (don’t do it more than once every two days). I’ve since changed obsessions, but I still do my training routine because it works fantastically for getting rid of the physical reactions that mental stress brings on, not to mention that it keeps me fit.

Music adds another factor of stimulation. Your own choice of music can make the routine fly by. I highly suggest it. I use an iAudio G3, and keep it in my pants pocket rather than in an awkward armband contraption.

I agree with the people who have suggested finding something you can enjoy. I used to hate exercise, because of how boring it was; there was nothing for my mind to do while my body was working. I started using a stationary bicycle, and that works great, because it lets me read while I'm exercising That makes me enjoy it, so I work harder and for a longer time, and actually enjoy it.

How do you read while you cycle? Don't you find that you slow down?

I've been in the gym and seen people doing virtually nothing while watching TV from the bicycle.

No, it doesn't slow me down - maintaining my speed doesn't take much concentration, so I'm able to put most of my attention on the book.

The two methods that have been most successful for me are:

1) have a training partner. I had a running partner once and we decided to train for a half-marathon together. She would run past my house early in the morning and if I was out front we'd run together. If I wasn't out there, she'd just go on her own.
I'd feel bad if I just got lazy and didn't want to crawl out of bed, which left her running by herself, so I usually pushed myself to get up and dressed on time.

2) take a physical ed class at college. I am currently doing this. Every semester I take a p.e. class. I have taken swimming, running/aerobics, and weight lifting.
This semester I signed up for running/aerobics and weight lifting but on different days.
For four days every week I was working out.

In my running class this week, some of us ran our timed mile for our 'final'.
When we were tested at the beginning of the semester I had run a mile in 8:23.
Thursday.. um, yesterday, I ran my mile in 7:43! Almost collapsed at the end, but I'm glad I pushed it.
I would not have gotten that good if I had tried to do this on my own.

The second suggestion works really well because the coaches usually have a good grasp for creating worthwhile workouts for you and may have suggestions on nutrition.