Getting Fit: How to enjoy exercise.

1. Change your thinking. If you view exercise as a hassle or a privilege, then you won’t make it a priority in your life. Treat exercise as a part of your normal self-care and you’ll learn to love it.
2. Release judgment. Don’t expect to be a triathlete in the beginning or possibly ever-it’s not necessary to break world records get the benefits your body needs. Take it slow and easy, building up intensity gradually.
3. Find personal meaning. Exercise as moving meditation. Incorporate it into your spiritual practice. Use it to clear your mind. Make exercise a part of whatever you’re passionate about in life, and you’ll love it more and more everyday.
4. Do what you love. Choose activities that you enjoy. You will not stick with a program that mainly consists of exercises that you hate. If you like to dance, take a samba class. If you like nature, hike to get a great workout and a beautiful view. Catering to your own preferences will help you learn to love exercise in no time.
5. Compete with yourself. Avoid the tendency to compare yourself with others by focusing on your abilities. Challenge yourself to do a little better than you did the last time. Set goals for each session to foster a sense of accomplishment.
6. Integrate. If you want to learn to love exercise, then you have to do it. Make exercise a part of every aspect of your life. Schedule a date to walk with a friend. Plan vacations that include physical activity. Be a better parent by setting a good example for your children. Regular exercise is a lifestyle choice.