Exercise is Boring

(no, these people are not sleeping.....)

Exercise is boring.  The way I’ve seen most people do it.  You’re killing me...

So, here’s the thing.  You’ve got to be active in your exercise.  Obviously physically active; although I’ve seen plenty that aren’t (that’s a whole different hilarious post).  What I’m talking about is being mentally active.  You’ve got to involve yourself mentally in the exercise. 

How do you do that? Well, you must pay attention. Take a minute and get into your zone.  I bet there are some workouts that fly by and seem effortless and others where you feel every step.  I’m willing to bet that the ones that fly by are the ones where you’re not thinking about other stuff.

Let it go, Elsa. You’re not helping yourself by thinking of all the “other stuff.”  Clear your mind and engage in what you’re doing.

Know what else helps? Stop dreading it. Exercise is good for you, enjoy it. Take advantage of the fact that this is the ONLY thing you should be doing for the next few minutes.  Commit to this singular act and let it take over. I give you permission to like it.

​And I give you permission to take pride in your taking care of yourself.  Just don’t post about it non-stop.  You’re not Yeezy.

I take yoga from time to time (I like to stretch while wearing expensive clothing).  With pretty much every instructor I’ve had, they’ve always focused on being present in the practice.  In what you’re doing at that moment.  Where your hips are.  Is your spine straight.  What your breath is doing.  Where your center is, etc.  When I did track and field, my assorted coaches always talked about being active in the moment.  Mostly by telling me to get my head out of my ass (always speak to your audience).  I did hurdles, so it was especially critical.  As it turns out, hurdles sometimes move.   

How is that any different from your exercise routine?  Droning on for an hour on autopilot IS boring.  Get involved with what you’re doing.  Think about how you feel that day; better or worse than the last workout?  Are you sleepy?  How is your posture?  How is your body moving?  Are you stressed from work?  What is your body telling you?  

You’re working on your body and your health, right?  Get involved with it!  I promise you a couple of things:  1.  You’ll enjoy it more.  
2.  Most importantly, you’ll get much better results.  

Need help helping yourself?  I know a guy (and a lot of great yogis!) ...