Shake off the hang ups!

Why is it so hard for me to start exercising? I know it's good for me. It seems like I have some form of resistance to getting in better shape.

"Exercise Resistance" means a conscious or unconscious block against participating in a regular active program. Some people have barriers built up from past experiences that give them a negative mindset toward exercise and food. In many cases, this prevents a person from starting or following through on an exercise program.

RESENTMENT

I thought enjoying life meant more relaxation and food as I please! the golden years were supposed to be filled with relaxing things to do, not more activities I usually put off before?

Building up resentment toward exercise goes much deeper than just not liking the effort it takes to do it. Resentment brings out a rebellious attitude in us. It is pretty much like the teenager who doesn’t listen to the sound advices of his/her parents’ with a resounding ‘Why should I do as you say? I can do as I please!’ The teenager knows whatever he/she does is unacceptable, but has a natural resentment for all good advices.

In terms of Exercise Resistance, we all behave like teenagers. We know Exercise is beneficial, but we illogically resent any advice to do it! The sooner you accept the fact that exercise is going to have to be a part of the rest of your life, the more likely you will start -- the more likely you will continue exercising.

FEAR OF FAILURE

The thought that you may not achieve that 30 inch waist or you may not lift a 100 kg weight ever is what I would call the fear of failure. What is important to recognize here is the fact that although a 30 inch waist can be the ultimate aim, your success is not measured in reaching there! Your success is measured in advancing forward. If you have benefited even a wee bit, you have already succeeded – succeeded in leaping towards a much better health! This is success!

So what is failure?

The only failure is not starting. It is pure logic that whenever you take a step, you move forward! And whenever you take the first step you begin the journey! You just have to start exercising once to embark on your journey to health and fitness. Even if you have exercised for 15 minutes on the first day, you have already done your body some good! So how can you fail?

WANT FOR PERFECTION

If you think for one second that you are going to be perfect in sticking to a plan, forget it. It's not possible for anyone. The truth is you will never be perfect. Perfectionism is an illusion.

If you think the best guitarist in the world is perfect – sorry, you are mistaken. Tomorrow there can be another one better than him. Is the Wimbledon Tennis champ a perfect tennis player? No, wait till the next one comes – you will have perfection redefined!

Not even Mr. Universes ever had a completely perfect exercise plan, even when exercise is their passion and profession! Your profession is likely very different; so your exercise schedule has to be tailored and adjusted according to your needs and priorities. So, don’t try for what you think is a perfect routine – there never was one!

COMPARISONS

You tend to compare your results to something or someone. Your comparisons should always be with yourself.

You feel fitter than when you started! Wow! Isn’t that great?
You can run one mile more than what you started with! Time for celebration!
You have morphed those cylindrical muscle masses into biceps and triceps! Now you can flaunt them!

These are the comparisons that should be encouraged.
The comparisons with fellow weight lifters are for the professional body builders who have to compete with each other to win a title. Such comparisons act as a stimulus for them rather than bring about Exercise Resistance!

EXPECTATIONS

If your expectations are too high, you set yourself up for failure and then begin comparing yourself to others. In some cases, Exercise Resistance sets in before you even start. Setting expectations that are too high is self-defeating before you even start.

So what expectations should you set for yourself? Read my section on ‘Denial to Desire’ to find out.