Taking the "Work" out of Working-Out

Why do I workout? Mainly because I want to feel better and find a way to battle my PCOS symptom of a 40lbs weight gain. Not only that, I've always been active throughout my life and over the last few years, I let a diagnosis beat me. So I decided to 'fight back'.

Consensus says that people don't enjoy working out because it feels like a chore. The idea of getting on a bike, treadmill, or elliptical and going nowhere to try to shed a few pounds is not appealing. I also heard that lifting weights might make a woman 'bulk up more (which is truly a false story).   I understand completely, but it doesn't have to be so.   How? I don't look at a workout as 'work' or something I HAVE to do because I want to be in better shape. 

Here are a few tips to help your workout feel less like a chore and feel more like something you like to do four to five times a week.

1. Implement music as part of your routine. You'll find that 30 or so minutes on your cardio machine of choice doesn't seem so long and endless if you get a few tunes going on. Try more 'fun' tunes that make you want to get up and dance a little or sing along to them.
2. Although this may  be easier for me because I workout at home, but try enjoying the music during your workout.  I sometimes do a little dance on the elliptical as I am striding or sing along to the chorus.  
3. When doing your sets during your weights session, between them, dance along or just walk and sing to the music. Why not? 
4. When you're feeling discouraged, think about the one less workout closer you are to your goal. I am not saying you should stop working out once you attain your goal (would defeat the purpose would it not?).  The easier you can put off a workout once, the easier it will be the second time. 
5. Read a little doing your cardio if you can.  A magazine usually does the trick. 
6. If at all possible, workout with a buddy. Having the second person there encourages you to keep going and you can do the same for him/her. Also it shows you that you are doing that same for the other person. 
7. If you can, try calling it a fitness regimen instead of a 'workout'.  I find a difference in the usage of words with certain people has a different effect. 
8. Smile through the pain and exhaustion.  Yes, when you workout properly, you're going to feel exhausted towards the end, as you should, but smile through it. Remember how good you're going to feel in the next 30 minutes. 
9. When you're done, smile at yourself and say you did a great job today. It will encourage you to keep at it on your next workout.

Those are things I try to make my fitness regimen. Why? I feel it's important to find joy in all things you do. Whether it be work, school, taking the kids to the park, making dinner or just even relaxing, there should be some level of enjoyment. Otherwise, like most people out there, it's just another hour or so of work I have to do to get what I want.


Justine Galo