I wanted to write this article after contemplating why some people really like to work out- and others do not. Initially- my first thought on this was, “Either you love it, or you don’t”. I reflected back however to some of the stories that my friends have shared. Several of them were not active until later in life- and were sedentary up until that point. What made the difference for them?
The five M’s below is what came to mind while I was planning the outline. In my opinion, these are all related to fitness- and is how one can actually truly love working out!!
My guess is that since you searched on this topic, you would like to get fit, but haven’t started or you’ve had trouble being consistent. I hope one of these ideas below resonate with you to inspire the next step.
Oh- and yes, this article is definitely biased towards being active outside. I believe it’s much easier to learn to love fitness when you’re in the great outdoors!!
Motivation
Motivation is a word that is used a great deal in the health and wellness industry. This is because the person has to be motivated in some way to work out and live a healthy lifestyle. There are two types of motivation: Extrinsic and Intrinsic. The key is finding which one resonates so you can tap into it.
Extrinsic motivation is “behavior driven by external rewards”. This can include getting praise from others; recognition for looking good or winning a weight loss contest. Maybe you get to buy those new pants you’ve wanted or you can now wear your Sports Bra to show off those six pack of abs. There is nothing wrong with this type of motivation. These types of rewards can be useful to help you stay motivated when working out is difficult for you.
On the other hand, intrinsic or internal motivation is
“when we act without any obvious external rewards. We simply enjoy an activity or see it as an opportunity to explore, learn, and actualize our potentials.”
If you want to work out because the activity is fun-then you are intrinsically motivated.
A personal example of internal motivation is that I just love how I feel while I’m running, hiking, or mountain biking. I don’t have to compete or be the first one to finish. I just feel amazing afterwards and I don’t like to go a day without working out.
So, with all this said, the key is to identify if you are externally or internally motivated! If you lean towards being internally motivated, find an outdoor activity that is fun and doesn’t feel like work. This will definitely help you to love fitness! Here are some ideas if you are not quite sure where to begin.
Mindset
From my experience, any accomplishments I’ve had in my life started with my thoughts first. Fitness and being active is something I had instilled in me since I was very young. My core belief is that I’m healthy. I know this has helped me pursue an active lifestyle. My beliefs shape my thoughts- my thoughts influence my actions.
Your thoughts must be positive about working out. I know- this is a catch 22. If you really do dread working out- (Your thoughts), then chances of you working out are slim. This is where the “fake it until you make it” comes in. TELL yourself that you are excited about getting fit.
Start paying close attention to your self talk. Do you tell yourself that you’re an athlete, you’re a Superstar outdoorsy person, and that you LOVE fitness! Take baby steps- start by putting on your shoes every day and walking once around the block. That’s it. This may seem trite, but I’ve used this technique many times in my life. If you are just starting out with something, you need to have success right away (the external/internal motivation) to stick with it.
Movement
Movement of the body is a beautiful thing; look at any figure skater, gymnast, or ballet dancer. They are full of grace, composure, and athleticism.
Now- I’m just using them as an example of how marvelous it is to be able to move the body. We don’t have to be Olympic athletes though to truly enjoy moving our bodies.
Daily fitness can impact every part of your life. When you move your body, it is going to help you stay physically and mentally healthy. You will have way more energy throughout your day and be more happy and alert.
Being physically active helps you with muscular strength, endurance, cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility and balance. Two other important benefits include improvement with your kinesthetic awareness and proprioceptive awareness- these are skills that bridge physical and mental spheres allowing the whole body to function more efficiently.
Whew- now with all those benefits, who wouldn’t’ want to get fit??
Once you start to see the results and feel first hand the energy and vivaciousness in your life, you will learn to love Fitness.
Momentum
Once you see the positive changes that are taking place with your body and in your life, you’ll love Fitness even more. Working out on a consistent basis is positive momentum that will attract other positives. For instance, if you join a Hiking MeetUp, you’ll meet a bunch of other like minded people and you’ll be motivated to go even more. Also, as a result of getting in shape, you’ll naturally start eating healthier. If you want to lose weight, then eating healthier can help you achieve that goal.
Perhaps your self esteem suffers, but now that you’ve lost a lot of weight you have even more confidence. This momentum will continue to carry you through your entire life. You’ll be 70 years old or more and still be able to mountain bike and run marathons. This is not some pipe dream; there are many people I know in this age bracket that still do these types of activities.
Mother Nature
Once you truly know and understand just how powerful and healing mother nature is, you will love being fit outdoors. In our Tech focused world, we are moving further and further away from our roots. Concrete, pavement, and steel are in stark contrast to lush green forests, winding rivers, and rolling hills.
The more you love and connect with Nature, the more you want to be in it. This also means that you’ll expand your horizons with new fitness options.
If you’re afraid of nature for whatever reasons, start with changing your THOUGHTS. (Remember- fake it before you make it) type of thing. Start with the thought that you love being outside and that you’ll take the measures to be safe in nature. Then- start making it a point to go outside more. As I stated earlier, start with walks in your neighborhood and then schedule longer hikes close to town, and before you know it, you’ll be planning a trek on the Appalachian Trail.
How to Love Fitness Summary
I hope this post has inspired you to take your first steps towards getting fit!
Here are the 5’s M’s: Motivation– are you intrinsically or extrinsically motivated?
Mindset- what is your self talk? Working out is easier with a positive mindset towards it.
Movement – moving your body on a regular basis helps you stay youthful and agile. As we age, the body naturally wants to get more sedentary. Don’t let it!!
Momentum – The more physically active you are, the more you are benefiting your mental health as well. You will see all areas of your life improve!
Mother Nature – exercising outdoors in the fresh air is invigorating. Being active in nature is enough alone for me to love fitness.
What are your thoughts on these reasons on How to Love Fitness? Can you relate to any of them? Please leave your comments below!