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From a Q/A from the GVHP in the Livingston County News:
Question: “I can’t seem to get motivated to get in shape. What can I do?” Unmotivated in Avon
Answer:
First, know that you are not alone. A recent government survey shows that between 38% to 40% of American adults do not get the recommended level of physical activity – that is at least 30 minutes, per day, most days of the week. About 15% of adults are considered inactive, which means they do less than 10 minutes total per week of moderate to vigorous activities.
Lack of motivation is a common reason for lack of exercise. Motivation isn't something that just happens to you, but something you create for yourself – and that is why this is not as simple as it all looks at first. Exercise may be all about moving the body, but first you have to move your mind.
Here are some tips:
1. Accept the fact that we have to exercise. If you spend most of your time sitting and you want to get healthy, with all the benefits that it includes, exercise is a must. Nothing can take the place of being active. Once we can accept this, it often makes doing it a little easier and, the good news is, you have many choices. Exercise doesn't have to happen in a gym or take up hours of your time.
So, when you have accepted the fact, what are some simple steps you can take? Find something you like to do and find a way to fit it into your schedule and perhaps break down your exercise time throughout the day. Think outside the box in terms of what can be done for exercise. We have easy to use things like FitTV, the Greenway, and many parks. Our local fitness and wellness centers and trainers provide a variety of classes for all levels of participants.
2. Acknowledge our lifestyles. In the past, we had more reasons to move. Things really are different today. Most of us aren't going to get rid of our computers, TVs, cars and cell phones and that isn't necessarily the answer – since, frankly, these are often necessary. But, we have to make sure they do not take over. Looking at all this and trying to find balance brings you one step closer to changing how you live.
So figure out where you can fit in some movement. Can you walk to some places you normally drive to? Can you bike? Are you able to mow with a hand mower, and not a tractor, some of the time? If you were to limit your non-essential screen time (TV, computer) could you do more physical activity?
3. Make exercise mean something to you. For many people, exercise is a means to an end – maybe weight loss or for appearance. Future goals are nice, but there's another part to the equation that, when missing, makes exercise hard to stick to: purpose. Your workouts need to have value, regardless of whether you ever reach your desired goal. Always working for something in the future isn't enough. We need it to mean something now.
So, what simple steps can you take to find that meaning? Ask yourself what can exercise mean to you? What is the value to working out? For me, exercise is a way to reduce stress and help my lungs to work better. For you, exercise might be the only time you get for yourself each day. Find your own value and meaning, and you'll find your motivation.
4. Find your own exercise path. Lots of times we think of the mainstream idea of exercise –things like health clubs, cardio machines, fitness classes, etc. If the thought of doing those things makes you cringe right now, then it’s time to rethink. Here's some good news: you have the freedom to do whatever activities you like. If you don’t like the repetition of machines, you can try more interactive things like basketball or spin class. If you like to keep things easier, you could take several walks throughout the day or add some laps the next time you shop at the mall. Simple steps like that add up. Whatever you do, make your activities fun. Just find out what you like and forget the rules.
I wish you well!
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