Working Out When You Don't Feel Like It

Everyone says once you start exercising, it becomes such a habit that you actually look forward to it--and miss it if you skip a workout. I'm here to tell you: NOT TRUE.

Mr. and I have been attempting to work out every day since we started getting fit on Jan. 1, and I don't think we've made it through a single week without skipping at least one workout. Or wanting to skip it, anyway.

The thing is, we always feel better after we work out. Not only have the almighty endorphins kicked in (weee!), but we also relish knowing how much we helped our bodies burn calories and get healthier overall.

But before the actual workout? Often, there's resistance.

Mr. hates tearing himself away from his video games, or he's just tired from a stressful day at work. I am not a morning person, so I fit in my workout somewhere during the day or evening. If the day is jam-packed with plans (as it usually is), I really have to make an effort to squeeze in exercise. When I'm low on sleep or energy that day, physical activity is the last thing I feel like doing.

So how do we do it? First, encourage (or gently remind) each other to work out. "Have you worked out yet today?" I often ask Mr. He grumbles and says "Not yet, I will during X show." I must say, he doesn't ask me too often about my workouts, probably because he's hoping I "forget" that day and don't bug him. Too bad. I'm going to, Mr.!

Since I have to be more self-reliant to get moving, I talk myself into it. Sometimes, it's logical (think how many calories you have to burn to lose 1 pound). Other times, I remind myself how good I feel afterward or how far I've come. The main thing is to just start doing something. "Do it for five minutes," I'll tell myself. Of course, once I've done it for five whole minutes, I almost never quit at that point. Might as well keep going.

For those of you trying to get fit with a partner, as we are, you might try some of the ideas in this U.S. News & World Report "On Fitness" blog. It talks about why couples tend to put on weight after they hook up (which we totally did) and how they can battle the bulge with a united front.

When it comes to working out, I say "Just do it--whether you like it or not." Hard core!