Fixing your Relationship with Exercise

 Fixing your Relationship with Exercise


I broke up with exercise in 2017. I kicked it to the curb and was done with the abuse and torment. It really felt like a bad relationship and I was done feeling like it was a one sided gig. I spent the next year ignoring the fact that it existed and would even bad mouth it if I had the chance. Secretly I felt guilty and knew that I had been the monster in the relationship. 

Taking ownership. 

I found myself after that year in a place where I knew it was time to fix this and I had one idea in mind. Go right back where I left off and pretend like it never happened. This was awful of course. I was out of shape! I couldn't breath! My joints hurt and everything felt like an uphill battle. I wanted to quit again and leave this for the cardio bunnies and gym rats. I was neither. And yet there was a voice in my head that kept whispering that this was my key to a better life. I just need to find a way to enjoy it. 

I took a step back and thought about the things I love to do and wondered how I became to love them? What is it about those activities (some did involve movement of my body!) that made me happy? Could I apply that mentality associated with those to exercise? 

I felt like each time I ran or lifted weights it was supposed to be painful and tough. There were phrases like no pain no gain in my head. But what about those crazy people who wake up at 5am and actually enjoy working out? Are they onto something or in need of a therapist? I decided to shift my mindset and try again. 

New outlook.

I let go of the outcome of each workout. I stopped looking at the time or the weights. I started to add in stimulations outside of exercise like music, smells, clothing and accessories that made me happy. I listened to my body and found a way to distinguish the difference between pain and growth when it came to muscle soreness and join discomfort. I smiled. I told a friend and celebrate the good moments. 

Y'all it wasn't pretty. It wasn't overnight and it wasn't without a lot of fighting along the way. But I realized that me and exercise have the same goals and values and our relationship was worth fighting for. I feel so much better when I have moved my body and got that circulation going. I love seeing myself get stronger and watch my body composition change in wonderful ways. I hated running in the past and now it has become an old friend in which I can have some peace and a moment of gratitude with nobody but myself. 

Where to start. 

First, find a workout that you know you can do. It maybe a simple stretching yoga or a dance class. It might be something a little more challenging but you think its really cool and you want to try it out. But identify why you want to do this workout. Next, set the stage by laying out what you will wear, how you will present yourself and what you will drink while you are there. All the ambiance you can set up will be important. Finally set the intention that you are going to love this and feel amazing afterwards. Smile and have fun throughout the workout and listen to your body always. It will talk to you. 

When you've completed your first workout, immediately prepare for the next one! You cannot wait to come back! Talk to your trusted friends about your experience and invite people to join! You can always try a different workout next time! Change it up as you'd like. There are so many kinds of ways to move your body so get creative. 

You are capable of anything. Remember that. This relationship is worth fighting for and you can absolutely repair any damage done in the past. Its worth it! Be proud! 

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