Everyone knows they should exercise more, but I must admit so many of my friends lack the motivation to exercise. As someone who has always enjoyed exercise for both the mental and physical benefits, I don’t identify easily with those who don’t like a good workout.
But as a personal trainer, I continually learn new ways to motivate people based on individual likes, dislikes, needs, and wants. I have a standard list of questions I ask my clients when starting to develop a fitness program for them. Maybe they’ll be useful to those of you who need a little push to get going. Finding out how you think about health and fitness can be an enlightening exercise itself.
If you want to exercise more, ask yourself the following questions:
- What kinds of exercise do you like? Dislike?
- Did you ever play on a sports team? What about that experience was positive/negative?
- Why do you want to be more fit?
- Are you impressed by people who have fit bodies? Do you judge people who are unfit?
- Do you encourage your children to exercise?
- Does your significant other exercise regularly?
- Where do you place health & fitness in your list of *idealized* priorities? Where does it fit in reality?
- Do you think your attitude toward fitness affects other parts of your life?
- Does your fitness level hold you back from doing activities you’d like to do?
- How do you feel before a big workout? Afterwards?
- Have you ever regretted making & taking time to exercise?
- Do you deserve time (and money) to make your body healthier?
Think about it. Be honest with yourself.
Give yourself time to think about why you feel like you should exercise more. Is it to lose weight? Look better? Feel more energetic? Get off of some medication?
Finding out the answers to these questions may help you uncover newfound motivation and open new paths in other parts of your life as well.
Good health and great happiness to you.