Attitude Isn't Everything

Let's face it, exercising to burn calories is NOT exciting. We don't consciously feel the fat on the back of our thigh reenter the blood stream, convert to energy and jolt through us like lightning to kick start our day. If exercise doesn't excite you, do it anyway; however, if you can, make it about something else.

If you are a walker, use that time as your prayer time, your time to fantasize about renovating your house, your time to plan out what you will say in the next job interview. If you can find someone to exercise with, then call it "going out to play" instead (or tell yourself, "Jane needs my support, so I have to go.") Water aerobics is a fancy way to say "frolicking in the pool" (and yes, you have the right to frolic!) If you are using a dance video, then focus on your inner diva and DANCE!

Movement should be joyful, so actively seek to associate what you do with feelings of joy. Spontaneity is overrated--instead of waiting to go into the "zone" when you exercise, choose what you will focus on and put yourself there.

Of course, some days that won't happen, no matter how much you try. If you must stomp through your walk muttering, "I don't want to be here. I don't want to do this," then go for it. The calories will burn anyway. The fat will release anyway, regardless of your mental attitude. Whether you work OR play for it, physical activity will work for you. When you can, however, choose for it to be fun.