Why Fitness Is Not A Chore

Written by: Samantha Oliver

[ctt template=”8″ link=”b6Aka” via=”yes” ]Exercise is a blessing, not a chore. Just ask someone that can’t exercise. Follow me on Twitter [/ctt]

Few people realize just how detrimental your negative mindset can be in terms of achieving your health goals, and perceiving your physical activity as yet another time waster is a perfect tool for hindering your progress.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way – you may have started out with that “Dear God, I can’t even” attitude every time you pack your gym bag, but a few simple choices can completely alter your outlook on fitness.

Is the treadmill-abs-stretch the holy trinity of your workout?

Then it’s no wonder you were fed up before you even started. Exercising can be extremely versatile, only if you put some thought into it.

Nowadays, you can join a fitness club and turn it into an all-around health experience, from working out, hitting the sauna to getting a nice sports massage, all of which will help you attain your health goals.

But even more importantly, there’s no need to stick to a single routine. Try some Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, HIIT sessions, pole dance classes, martial arts, or lifting weights.

Why not add some diversity and test the waters until you find your favorite, and even then, nothing should prevent you from keeping it colorful.

Maybe you cannot keep your motivation strong because it’s tough to see actual results in real-time?

There are so many apps out there that help you track your progress, monitor your food intake, calculate your activity levels and keep a digital fitness journal with numbers that tell your personal fitness tale.

The moment you see you’re just half a mile away from a personal record, or half a pound away from your new weight milestone, it’s hard not to get excited, right?

It seems that science has you backed for this one – a study has shown that app users end up being more active and with a lower BMI than those who don’t use them!

There will always be those lazy days when you’d just rather stay inside with a hot cup of cocoa instead of rolling up your sleeves.

However, if you work out with a friend, you have an accountability buddy and your personal cheerleader in one, to make sure you won’t skip an important training session.

Having a partner in crime helps you in many other ways, too, as you’ll be more likely to try new workouts, less shy to join a gym or try a new movement, and you’ll always have a spotter to keep an eye on your performance and keep you injury-proof.

Pop, rock, punk, techno, you name it, music will take your training to a whole new level!

Few things can get you “in the zone” like a solid playlist of upbeat music that helps you imagine your successful workout or grind through those last few reps of lunges when it seems that your body would gladly give up.

Research from all over the globe has shown that your brain on music literally wants to get moving, your mood elevates and you’re likely to perform better as a result.

Nutrition is so much more than just another pillar in your healthy lifestyle, it is an incredible source of fun and motivation for your next workout!

Think of it as a chance to fuel your training with all the right ingredients, and a well-chosen pre workout can make or break your entire fitness regime and give you a much-needed energy boost to muscle even through the toughest workout.

When you commit to a healthy eating plan, including those delicious protein shakes and fruit smoothies, you will become all the more eager to keep up with your exercising as well, and not to mention how much your endurance and ability will improve as a result of healthy diet choices.

And the weather is no excuse – whether it’s trying out winter sports such as skiing or snow-boarding or heading to your nearest swimming pool during the summer heat, spending time outside is a brilliant way to incorporate diverse activities into your life and stay motivated.

Even if it’s just a spring run in the park, or playing frisbee with your four-legged friend, as long as you stay active and break a sweat, you can count it as a workout.

Moreover, why not join a volleyball tournament, a surfing class or a canyoning adventure?

These exciting experiences will not only give you a lifetime of fun memories, but also turn you into a true fitness junkie who will never waver again.

SAMANTHA XX 

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