I’ve always hated exercise. It takes all I have to change into gym clothes and go exercise. However, I’m aware of the many benefits of exercise - from better sleep to better sex life.
I’ve tried going to the gym, running, walking, playing tennis, softball, and other sports, but I don’t seem to enjoy them for longer than a few weeks. Exercising in the early morning, afternoon, and nighttime are all the same to me, and I’ve needed to drag my body equally at all times of the day. Furthermore, I’ve gone to the gym on my own, taken group classes, and even hired personal trainers – I still would rather watch TV at home. Regardless, there are plenty of reasons to keep exercising.
What if you don’t like to exercise?
Too bad. That’s not reason enough not to exercise. I’ve finally accepted that I’ll have to keep searching for the new trend every couple of months. Pickleball then, maybe, will be my new hobby. Do you have any other suggestions for me?
How long or how much do I need to exercise?
For any type of activity to benefit your health, you need to move quickly enough to raise your heart rate. Remember, though, that you only need to focus on improving one percent. If you’re sedentary, you can start by only putting on your gym clothes. The next day, aim to increase by 1%, which may mean going out for a two-minute walk—only you know what that 1% is; the important thing is to start reaping the benefits of exercise.
Whatever excuses I have for not exercising are moot – exercising is important, and I must continue to do it.
11 Reasons to Keep Exercising
- Lose weight. If you’re trying to lose weight, doing cardio or lifting weights will help.
- Improved health. Regular exercise can prevent diseases such as diabetes, depression, various types of cancer, and arthritis.
- Better sleep. Exercising improves the quality of sleep and reduces the time it takes to fall asleep.
- Happier mood. Regular physical activity stimulates brain chemicals, which may help you relax.
- Increased energy. Exercise sends oxygen and nutrients to your tissues, improving your heart and lung health and giving you more energy to tackle chores.
- Improved mobility. Joining a new yoga or sports class can help you activate muscles you don’t normally use.
- Increased strength. Stronger bones can make tasks effortless.
- Better sex life. Regular physical activity may enhance arousal for women and make men less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction.
- Fun. Dance classes or meeting with friends for group yoga can be fun and relaxing.
- Better self-esteem. Physical activity may leave you feeling happier and help you feel better about your appearance, boosting your self-esteem.
- Longer life. Exercise can lower the risk of death and improve cognitive function.
Exercise can be fun when dancing with friends.
How can I make exercise fun?
We must keep trying different types of exercises until we either find the exercise or the plan that fits us.
I played basketball in elementary school and soccer in college. Both times, I played for a semester or two, so I didn’t play long enough to become any good at them. I remember enjoying playing them, though, so I’ve considered joining a sports league. I’ve also looked into joining ClassPass to keep myself active and practice a variety of workouts.
What other activities are out there? Do you enjoy doing them alone, or do you prefer social activities? How can we make exercise fun? Any, and all suggestions are welcome for us couch potatoes.
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