[janadam]

OK so this is my personal opinion and of course it works for me. Hopefully it will help you too...

If like me you have joined a gym only to end up paying for something you don't use, or have purchased some kind of exercise gadget from the TV and at this moment cannot confirm what bed its currently gathering dust under, then you're probably part of a largish group of people that try and do the 'right' thing by starting an exercise regime because they 'should' only to give up in a pile of de-motivation and self loathing.

I've been there time and time again and to be perfectly honest with you I'm not going back to 'exercise' in the form it has taken in my head for the last 20 odd years.

To most of us, exercise is supposed to be difficult. 'No pain no gain' type stuff. Hardcore commitment. Expensive gym memberships. Looking like Arnie.

None of those are helpful in the least and if you consider 'exercise' to mean the same thing to you, its probably time you changed your opinion of it if only to save any more frustration and failure at trying to be 'good' and doing the right thing.

I could go on here but I blog about it somewhere else and also, I'm at work right now LOL. PM me if you want the address etc. but I'll make the solution to this cycle of failure short and sweet here;

Start associating the term 'exercise' to mean things that are in fact enjoyable rather than painfully sacrificial. I'm talking about playing with your children (or nieces, nephews etc), challenging an office colleague to an arm wrestle for lunch or just taking a gentle stroll in the park.

Its all exercise (because you're using your body) but its not extreme and its much more natural.

You get the idea hopefully x
Jen

[markwilson419]

Thanks for posting the such a useful post. I think exercise is the best way to stay fit it also helps in boosting the immune system.

[TotalFitPT]

Jen I totally agree with you on most of what you say

Exercise shouldn't be "no pain no gain" it should be enjoyable and if you experience some pain as a result then at least you know what you're doing is working.

The pain almost everbody experiences when they first start exercising and as they progress is called DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) this is actually microscopic tears in the muscle tissue and it can last for a long time after your initial training session but don't be put of by that.

This is where in a way the "no pain no gain" kind of phrase comes into it, unfortunately you are going to experience some kind of uncomfortable feeling, during and after training but as you said, try and disassociate the exercise you are doing with that pain.

That pain is just an initial experience, it changes as your fitness levels and body changes, I guarantee if you stick at something for long enough your opinions will naturally change about that pain.

Great post by the way, I hope you're achieving your goals still

Craig

[KittyBonkers]

I full agree with you! The 'No Pain, No Gain' thing is silly, as people often recommend that if you do feel pain, stop exercising for the day! I always do exercise I enjoy and I never force myself. I personally enjoy long walks by the seafront and Zumba is brilliant fun and an excellent work out, especially if you go with someone you know ! I go with my mum and we always have a laugh! Swimming too, I love, and is a brilliant all over exercise. I either go with a friend or alone! I say, always do exercise you enjoy, because then, you will be encouraged more to do it!

[haleylooper]

I am totally agree with you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

[Nikki]

I have tried to follow an exercise regime but always fail, maybe because I am not too serious or lack focus??? How do you guys motivate yourself?

[terpaly]

Hi
Me view according to the physical structure,take exercise in such a way in which body may not give the bad results supposed to be a person take strictly exercise in any type,thy loose the stamina very soon,and stress and strain feel in whole body ,it means,no interest will develop for the 2nd day.Me quote u very important thing that "slow and steadily wins the race" .

[terpaly]

Hi
Me personal views do't take tough exercise in which may suffer someone and loosing their stamina very soon.
while taking odd exercise stress and strain create in the whole body,which does not allow some one to be ready for the next day to follow it, but very soft and light exercise adopted to remain the body healthy .

[cupcakehappy]

Totally agree with this philosophy.

[ruthhall08]

Nice post, thanks for sharing.
Exercise is always help to throw toxins from your body and you will feel fresh. so its needed