Many people think of exercise as a chore.  I hear this all the time when meeting with potential clients.  They say things like, “I hate the gym”, “Exercise is boring”, “Exercise is the last thing I want to do, but I know I SHOULD do it”.  While it’s true that exercise is often a chore in the beginning of a program, it’s because you aren’t used to doing it and your body hates you for pointing out how out of shape you’ve let it get!  The good new is…this isn’t always the case.

In fact, as you make exercise a regular part of your day, you begin to crave it like a drug.  If you miss a day or two, you get grumpy, distracted, feel gross, and just plain antsy.  If this sounds completely foreign (and a little crazy) to you, it probably means you haven’t made exercise a habit, and placed importance on the benefits it can bring to your life.

Start to think of the things you REALLY desire that exercise can bring into your life.  YOUR number one reason for exercise is unique to you. Maybe you want to fit into a smaller pant size, lower your cholesterol, be able to keep up with your kids (or Grandchildren). Or maybe you just love how a good workout makes you feel.

Whatever your reason is, remind yourself of it often. Write it down and place it where you will see it everyday. It may be just the motivation that you needed to get started and stay motivated until you reach the point where  you literally CRAVE physical activity and your daily workout!

By the way, your motivations will change over time, but daily activity and exercise (YES, they are different) will still be a part of your life and who you are!