The Importance of Exercise for Mood and Health
Exercise is a powerful way to enhance both your mood and health, and it should be an essential part of everyone’s life. However, many people shy away from exercise, finding it boring or difficult.
Why Exercise Feels Challenging
There are several reasons for this. First, the more we force ourselves to do something, the more difficult and boring it becomes. The second reason is the misconception that exercise must be intense and time-consuming. In fact, many doctors recommend exercising just three times a week, with sessions lasting no more than 45 minutes.
Another common belief is that exercise requires a gym membership and heavy weights. While weightlifting has its benefits, many health experts do not recommend overexerting yourself with heavy weights. If you do go to the gym, start with lighter weights. For example, I prefer using lighter weights to focus on developing a flexible and toned body. My routine includes Pilates, yoga, bodyweight exercises, and a little bit of gym equipment.
Remember, you don’t need a gym to get fit. Even a simple walk has incredible benefits. Thanks to the internet, there are countless resources like YouTube videos and fitness apps that allow you to work out at home.
Staying Motivated to Exercise
It can be easy to lose motivation, especially when you’re just starting your fitness journey. Even seasoned exercisers can experience lapses in motivation. Having been committed to exercise for many years, I often get asked how I stay motivated. Here are my personal tips to keep the fire alive.
1. Define Your Reason to Exercise
Before starting your fitness journey, it’s important to identify your reason for exercising. For me, it was to improve my sleep because I struggled with sleep issues. In the beginning, I found the gym tedious and considered quitting, but my clear motivation helped me push through.
Once you identify your “why,” it becomes easier to stick to your fitness goals.
2. Create a Vision Board
A vision board can serve as a powerful source of inspiration. Place quotes, images, and people who motivate you on your board. Keep it somewhere visible so you can see it every day.
3. Utilize Social Media
Social media can be a great source of motivation. Many talented trainers share useful tips and exercises on platforms like Instagram. Following fitness pages can introduce you to new workout ideas and offer a sense of community.
4. Curate a Workout Playlist
Creating a playlist for your workouts can be incredibly motivating. Upbeat music lifts your mood and makes exercise feel more enjoyable. Consider putting together your own playlist filled with your favorite tracks.
5. Mix Up Your Routine
I’ve tried many types of exercise before finding the right mix for me. Doing the same workout can get boring, so I combine different types of exercise to keep things fresh. Most people who enjoy working out regularly mix various exercises into their routines.
6. Do What You Love
It might take some time to discover the exercise routine you truly enjoy. For me, it took years to find what works best. If we don’t enjoy what we’re doing, we’re more likely to quit. Experiment with different types of exercise until you find one that excites you.
7. Set Small Goals
A common mistake when starting a fitness journey is setting unrealistic goals. For instance, if you’ve never exercised before, aiming to build muscle in a month might set you up for failure and loss of motivation. Start small. Small goals lead to big successes over time.
8. Invest in Comfortable Gym Clothes
Just like a great outfit can boost your confidence on a date, the right activewear can elevate your motivation. Wearing clothes that make you feel good can increase your enthusiasm for exercising. Comfort is key, too—if your gym clothes don’t fit well, it can make your workout feel uncomfortable and discourage you from sticking to it.
