Love at First Chin-up

Every single day, whether you realize it or not, we make a decision on whether or not we’ll be exercising that day. Perhaps, it never even crosses your mind but you know that if you were asked whether or not a workout was on your to-do list, your answer would be a big ol’ NO.

It’s interesting, isn’t it? Adding movement to your day could change your energy levels, help with weight loss, make you stronger, increase endurance, decrease your risk for heart disease and could potentially extend your life. (there are more benefits, but you get the idea)

So why do we come up with every excuse in the book to not exercise when we know how good it actually is to exercise?

Well, for one, it’s super easy not exercising, right?

But two, it’s possible that we just haven’t found the exercise that speaks our love language. The thing that makes our heart go pitter patter, the one that gives us goosebumps every time we think about it. Ok, that last one went too far. Or did it?

Finding a workout that feels good, that works your body, that’s de-stresses you, that excites you isn’t going to just happen. You have to put in the work before you put in the work. Just like any good relationship, you have to put some love into it and this isn’t any different.

Here are some tips for finding THE ONE:

1. Head to google maps and check out what’s available in your area. Make a list, do not research. (or social media stalking, as some people call it.)
   
2. If you tried something 20 years ago and you hated it back then…try it again! Maybe it was the instructor or you hated the smell of the yoga studio or maybe you had an ingrown toenail that made the experience less than pleasant. Things change, YOU change.
   
3. If you are entering into something new and you try it once and it’s hard and you end up hating it, you may have disliked it because you were a little out of shape. My biggest tip is to try whatever it is for AT LEAST 7 days. While there, spend more time thinking about where you could be in six months and less focused on the current moment in time.
   
4. Take it to social media, ask friends where their favorite place to workout is and WHY they like it.
   
5. Have an open mind. There are so many options out there, the very thing you end up loving, could be the thing you thought you would never try.

Remember, the hardest part about trying something new is sometimes just opening those doors for the first time. It IS scary but it’s necesscary. (necessary + scary = necesscary.)

Here are some ideas to begin your search: F45 (my personal favorite), strength training, pilates, barre classes, Orange Theory, outdoor running, walking, hiking, yoga, spin classes. If you’re close to a gym, check out everything they offer.

Remember, movement should be challenging and fun. I believe there is an option for everyone. Now go find it!