How I Learned to Love Exercise

Okay, let's be real—exercise and I haven’t always been the best of friends. In fact, we were more like distant acquaintances who only hung out because we had mutual friends, like guilt and New Year’s resolutions. But over time, something shifted, and I realized that maybe, just maybe, exercise and I could find some common ground. Spoiler alert: We did, and now I actually kind of enjoy it (most days).

So, if you’re like me and the thought of lacing up your sneakers sends you into a spiral of excuses, this blog is for you. Here’s how I went from dodging workouts like a pro to actually looking forward to breaking a sweat—sometimes.

Step 1: Start Small (Like, Really Small)

The first mistake I made was thinking I had to jump straight into some intense workout regime to see results. Big mistake. Huge. Instead, I started with something manageable—like a 10-minute walk around the block. No pressure, no expectations. And guess what? It was totally doable. Eventually, that 10-minute walk turned into a 20-minute walk, then into a short jog. Baby steps, my friend. Baby steps.

Step 2: Find Your "Why"

We’ve all heard it: “You need to find your motivation.” But seriously, it’s true. For me, my motivation wasn’t about looking like a fitness model or running a marathon—it was about feeling better mentally. I realized that exercise was my secret weapon against stress and anxiety. Once I had a solid “why,” it became a lot easier to stick with it.

Step 3: Make It Fun (Or at Least Less Miserable)

If you hate running, don’t run. Simple, right? I found out the hard way that forcing myself to do workouts I hated was a recipe for disaster. Instead, I experimented with different activities until I found something I didn’t totally dread. Dancing around my living room to 90s hits? Yes, please. Hiking with friends? Sign me up. When you find something you enjoy, it feels less like torture and more like—dare I say it—fun.

Step 4: Celebrate the Small Wins

Here’s the thing: progress is progress, no matter how small. Maybe you’re not ready to run a 5K, but did you walk for 30 minutes today? High five! Did you choose to take the stairs instead of the elevator? You rock! Celebrating these small victories helped me stay motivated and reminded me that I was making progress, even when it didn’t always feel like it.

Step 5: Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

Let’s face it—some days, the couch is just too comfy to leave, and that’s okay. I used to beat myself up for skipping workouts, but I’ve learned to be kinder to myself. If I miss a day (or three), I just pick up where I left off and keep going. No guilt trips allowed.

Final Thoughts

Look, I’m not here to tell you that exercise will suddenly become your favorite thing in the world. But with a little patience, a lot of trial and error, and a sense of humor, it can become something you tolerate—or even enjoy. And who knows? One day, you might even find yourself looking forward to that workout. Stranger things have happened.

So, here’s to finding your own fitness groove, one small step at a time. And remember—if I can do it, trust me, so can you.