5 Simple Ways to Enjoy Exercise

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1. Have Fun. Find a type of exercise that is at least somewhat enjoyable for you. If you like to run, do it.  If you like to swim, bike, or take yoga classes with a friend, perfect.  Have fun doing whatever it is that you personally enjoy.

2. Challenge Yourself. Continue to [appropriately] challenge yourself.  If you settle into an exercise routine where you are walking 3 days per week for 30 minutes, maybe it’s time to bump it up to 45 minutes  or add 5-minute bursts of jogging.  The point is to keep things interesting.

3. Build Confidence. Pick an exercise and get good at it.  It’s OK to not know what you’re doing at first but keep at it.  Soon you will improve and your confidence will increase. (Doesn’t it feel good to be good at something?) Find an exercise that you enjoy and keep at it.

4. Be Social. Make exercising a social event.  Invite friends, family members, co-workers, or simply an exercise buddy.  They will keep you accountable and make the experience more enjoyable.

5. Enlist Support. Find people who can lend support outside of the gym.  Maybe it’s your spouse, parent, or Facebook friend…you may not workout together but if they can encourage you to do the type of exercise that you enjoy – and reinforce that you’re improving – you’re more likely to stick with it.

What do YOU enjoy about exercise? Share with us on our LiveWell Vermont Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/VTWellness 

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