I used to hate working out. I could not understand people who exercised. Where did they find their motivation? What caused them to enjoy sweating to death? What was so great about breathing excessively hard? I was too tired, didn’t have the time, and the idea of getting started was less than appealing and more than overwhelming. Why would I voluntarily subject myself to such a thing?
I wish I could say that exercise has always been a love of mine. The truth is, I used to hate working out and hated when someone invited me to go to the gym. In late 2013, I worked closely with a fitness lover. She always wanted me to do squats with her during breaks and would ask me to work out with her in the mornings. Eventually, I ran out of excuses and reluctantly gave in. Still, I struggled to understand the love of exercise. It hurt, I could not breathe, and quite frankly, I’d rather watch Netflix and eat a bag of chips to wind down from a long day- not run a mile. Do you feel me?
My mother-in-law gave Chase and me a gym membership for Christmas in 2014. We were coming out a challenging, depressing season. I had just completed my degree, Chase was recovering from the effects of cancer, and I was still grieving from the loss of my Dad. I had no idea how that membership would become a catalyst for healing and self-improvement. I made a 21-day commitment to being active each day. I made the decision to do something active, no matter how small the activity, every day for three weeks. It took changing my priorities in some ways, but this changed my life for the better.
How do we learn to love all of the parts of exercise that make us want to run back to the couch? How do we begin an active lifestyle with such limited time, energy, and little motivation? I have listed three ways I learned to create an active lifestyle along with the mistakes it took for me to turn my failures into successes.
Just Get Started:
Set a goal, find something you enjoy, and just get started. The first step to accomplishing any goal is to take that first step. Take some time to try out some different exercise routines. The most important thing is to find something that you enjoy. Not everyone loves to run, not everyone loves to weight lift, we all have different interests. Once you have identified an activity that you enjoy, set fitness goals for yourself. Work toward meeting those goals and improving yourself every day. Last but not least, be proud of yourself! You are allowed to feel good about your accomplishments no matter how small they may be. Celebrate the victories and continue to set and chase new goals.
Make a 21-Day Commitment:
There is this crazy three-week phenomenon to making and breaking habits. I heard about the whole 21-day thing but never really believed in its power; that is until I experienced it. It took me inconsistently fighting to make working out a lifestyle before I finally became fed up with feeling discouraged. I would work out every now and then and it was really hard. Going from 0 to 60 each time made my goals seem unreachable, and I realized that if I really wanted to make exercise a thing in my life, I needed to make a commitment. For 21 days I made an intentional choice to be active daily. Even if it meant a brisk 30-minute walk, I would not let a day go by without making an effort to exercise. Take a 21-day challenge! Wholeheartedly commit yourself to being active for at least 30 minutes daily. The results could be life changing!
Find a Fitness Community:
We were not made to do life alone. Finding a community of people working towards the same goal can go a long way in establishing an active lifestyle. Find at least one group fitness class you have interest in and attend it weekly. I attended a group fitness class for months, half-heartedly participating from the back row. Somehow I had found a way to do my active lifestyle alone surrounded by a group of people. Life change began to take place when I stepped outside my comfort zone and started meeting the people around me. If it’s hard for you to meet people, find a friend and take on the class together. There is something powerful about seeing that we are all in the same boat and encouraging each other to keep going even when it’s hard.
Exercise has done more for me emotionally and mentally than it has for me physically. I truly believe creating an active lifestyle is a launching pad for self-improvement in more ways than one. My challenge for us all is to take steps daily to love ourselves enough to give our bodies the activity needed to thrive and be all we were made to be. Take 21 days and commit at least 30 minutes a day to some sort of physical activity. Surround yourself with people who are walking the same path you are, and keep the pressure off by starting small.
Tammy says
Thank you for sharing your life!
Sunnie Cotton says
Thank you for reading about it, Tammy!
Glenda says
Sunnie, I set a goal 8 months before my 40th birthday to be in the best shape of my life by the time I reached that birthday. I have not looked back still working out consistently and am 73 now. Do I love it every time I work out? No of course not but the 90 day rule does work I believe you can change your lifestyle in that length of time!!!!!
Sunnie Cotton says
Ms. Glenda, you are an inspiration! Way to go!
Jamie Wassum says
Great post my sweet Sunnie .Fitness is the core of my health .& wellness … even if it is only 15 mins I find it helps me to recenter & to focus as well as improve my overall strength. Love you!!
Sunnie Cotton says
You inspire me to keep up an active lifestyle, Jamie! Always love your empowering spirit and kind heart.
Wendy Johnson says
It’s always way more fun with all my peep!! Love you bunches!!
Sunnie Cotton says
So glad to always have you in front of me in class! Wayyy more fun with friends! Love you, Wendy!