When you’re not in the mood, exercise seems like the last thing you would want to do. We’ve all been there and it’s easy to blame something else so you don’t feel guilty for missing a workout. Maybe you’re feeling tired; stressed after a long day at work; don’t have the time; it’s just too hot; or your body is just saying it’s not up for the challenge today. Well you wouldn’t be the only one and it’s a common experience to not always feel like working out. It’s also probably not the first time this has happened and it most likely won’t be the last; however, continually falling into the ‘exercise excuse trap’ is when problems begin to occur. Before you know it, the excuses begin to win, until you get to the point where you’re starting to say “I need to start working out again!”.
So, if there’s nothing actually wrong, then you might just need to force yourself to exercise anyway. If you want to work out consistently, you need to develop a true workout habit. By pushing yourself out of that comfort zone, getting changed into your workout gear and completing a session, you’re guaranteed to notice something afterwards… you’ll actually start to feel better in yourself!
Exercise releases happy chemicals to your brain such as Dopamine which is necessary for feelings of pleasure and happiness. Working your muscles will also help relieve tension and stress. So, by finding the willpower to force yourself to get up off the sofa and into workout mode, will make you feel more energised and knowing that you have completed a workout will automatically put you in a positive mood on its own anyway!
How to avoid the non-exercise trap:
- Remember the reason “why” you wanted to work out in the first place. Your “why” is a powerful tool, so use it. Try it the next time you’re in danger of skipping a workout.
- Make the step to get changed into your workout clothes. The clothes will give you an increased range of movement and help provide that motivation.
- Convince yourself to work out by saying I’ll do a lighter workout, once you actually start exercising you’ll almost always end up doing a full workout routine.
- Dehydration can drag your energy down. Don’t rely on thirst as a measure of need, ensure you regularly take onboard water to remain hydrated.
- Set a goal to work out. If yours is for three times a week, give yourself a reward for achieving this. Little indulgences you wouldn’t ordinarily allow yourself (non-food related).
Perhaps your goal is to lose weight? Or maybe you want to improve your balance and stability through exercise? Maybe you are considering exercise to help prevent heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure? Do you suffer from arthritis, poor sleep or a low mood? Whatever the reason, next time you’re in danger of falling into the non-exercise trap, remember that just about anything can be helped with exercise!