It’s time to get real, guys. Exercise doesn’t always come as easily as those smug post-run selfies might suggest. We know becoming one of those people who fall out of bed and straight into running shoes at stupid o’clock in the morning doesn’t just happen. And yes, quite frankly the idea of working out when you’re not a workout person can sometimes be very intimidating.
But we’ve all got to start somewhere, don’t we? Exercise is right up there on that list of things I really need to do more of even though if I'm being honest, I'd really rather not. So I had a chat with Personal Trainer and Sports Therapist, Jack Pomroy from Energize Therapy Health & Fitness about how to get started with the whole physical activity thing, and how to actually make it stick. Because apparently a singular trip to the gym I signed up to eight months ago doesn’t really count…
Getting started really is the hardest part though, Jack explains. But before you kick that pair of trainers further into the abyss under your bed, it really does get easier once you suck it up and get going. ‘Once you start something, it won’t be long before you’re hooked on the release of endorphins’, Jack says. ‘But the trick is finding the right thing’.
Makes sense. And we're all for an endorphin release. But hands up who’s ever gone for a run, hated it and come to the conclusion that all exercise is therefore awful and vowed never to leave the sofa again? Me too. ‘Try and do something completely different to keep you genuinely interested and aware of what you’re doing,’ Jack says. ‘Unless you’ve got a specific goal that you’re trying to reach like training for a marathon, keeping it varied and experimenting with different things is a great way to be active when you don’t really want to.’
For me, it’s more psychological than anything. As soon as I’m aware that I’m exercising, we’ve got a problem. Count me out, I’m done, meet you at the pub. But dance on the other hand, that I can do. Deep down I know that I’m doing a great thing for my body, but the thing that physically gets my bum into that studio is the fact that I just really love to dance and have done since I was a kid. The next day ache is nothing but a happy (painful) accident.
‘If you can find something to do and not even realise the exercise aspect of it, that’s even better’, says Jack. ‘Whenever I introduce people to boxing, particularly those who are reluctant to exercise, I’ve found they really take to it. It uses your whole body and really increases your heart rate quickly without your noticing because you’re too busy learning how to do this new thing… or taking out all of your anger on your trainer!’
So thinking outside the box might be a good way to start. But if this all sounds like way too much to get on board with, there are lots of little things you can do day to day to familiarise yourself with exercise on a really basic, easy-entry sort of level. 'If you work in an office, find yourself any excuse to get up', says Jack. That means offering to do the tea round or getting up to make your own when someone offers. Yes, really. Make your own tea. You can do it.
Jack also recommends adding movement to the boring things you already do throughout the day. Waiting for the microwave to ping? Do some squats. Off to do your weekly shop? Carry a basket instead of using a trolly. Brushing your teeth? Sounds like the perfect time to lunge don't ya think?
Sure, it might not sound like much but every little does truly help. 'Making an effort to do these sorts of movements regularly, activating your muscles and increasing blood flow - you're making really good changes even on a cellular level', says Jack. So there's literally no excuse for not being active at all. If you keep up the little things like doing a few squats whenever your heating up last night's leftovers, your body (and mind) will be that little bit more used to that sort of activity and put you in a better place if you ever do decide to face your fear of the gym, actually go on that run you promised your mate you'd do, trying to finish that Davina McCall fitness DVD your aunt got you last Christmas.
Other things to try? If you're already attached to your phone, download an app and set yourself reminders to get up do something every few hours. If you have a vague recollection of enjoying netball at school, go and join an adult team. Game based environments are also a great way to get on board with exercise, especially if you're competitive or are looking for a social aspect to the whole thing. There are so many options, my friends. And at the very least if you commit to playing and then don't turn up, people will definitely hold you to account for it and no one wants to be that person.
But most importantly, Jack says you should find something you enjoy. 'Setting yourself specific fitness goals is one thing. And it will keep you going to a point but if you don't enjoy it you'll stop'. Rings all too true doesn't it? Maybe that's the bit that we fitness-phobes are forgetting. There's no point bullying yourself into going for a 5 mile run at 4am when you know you're going to hate it, because you'll make one half-assed attempt, probably injure yourself and never do it again.
The thing to remember is that there's no one way to exercise, so try a few different things out until you find one that actually makes you happy. Like, actually. Then the prospect of doing it every week will be a lot less terrifying. Honest.
Like this? You might also be interested in…
How To Survive An Exercise Class If You’re AsSelf-ConsciousAs Me
Follow Jazmin on Instagram @JazKopotsha
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.