Using Exercise History to Make It Work
You may think the idea of perceived value is great for some people, but it doesn't work for you. That's okay. If this is the case we need to look at another way to overcome exercise boredom.
Think back to a time when you participated in a physical activity that you enjoyed. Surely, you can think of something at some point in your life you liked. It may have been a recreational activity such as volleyball, basketball, or softball. Maybe while in high school or college you were active in a sport that you really enjoyed. How about a time when you got together with a friend or group of friends and went walking, biking, or cross-country skiing on a regular basis? Take some time to think back and figure out what type of physical activity you enjoyed in the past.
Now let's look at some questions and solutions for bringing back this type of exercise into your life.
- What activity was it that you enjoyed?
- What did you like most about it?
- Who were the people that made it enjoyable?
- Where were you most likely to participate in this activity?
- Why did you like it?
My hope is that some of these questions jogged your memory, no pun intended! Now I'm sure some of the things that made this activity enjoyable are impossible to relive; however, by bringing back some of the elements you can get started again.
For example, maybe you frequently participated in local marathons or short races at a younger age. You remember most of your training for the race was done after work and just before supper. It made you feel good, like your day was complete. In addition, a friend would often join you for a workout, making it a pleasant experience.
At this point you may be saying there is no way I am going to train like I did for the marathon or other race, let alone run one. I'm not saying that you need to run a marathon again. My point is that you should look for the elements that made it enjoyable. Think back a little. You had a regular workout time that made you feel good. If this time will again work in your life, then go for it. Also, part of the reason you liked the workout was because a friend joined you. Get together with that same friend. If you've lost touch with that person, then ask a new friend to come along.
The point I am making is that you need to find out why you liked and regularly participated in exercise before, and bring those elements into your life now. Hey, it worked then, why not now?
If you can't remember any type of exercise you enjoyed, then take a look at the next section and see if any of these ideas will work.
