Exercise Will Stop Being a Chore and Start Being Fun--But When?
By: Beth Donovan,
SparkPeople Blogger
11/11/2011 2:00 PM
: 49 comments
: 13,454 Views
Last week, I blogged about walking my first 5K, a huge accomplishment for me.
At what point did exercise go from being a chore to something to look forward to for me?
When I quit making myself try to perform at other people’s levels, started challenging myself, began playing with workout fashion and discovered the power of music.
OK, so maybe I don’t always look forward to exercise, but that’s mostly because I hate working out alone. At home, a workout feels more like a chore, so I pull out the high-powered music that MAKES me move. I throw on some workout clothes that make me feel fit, rather than like a slob. The sum of those two things usually gets me arm biking in no time.
I love music! I keep a hot playlist just for workouts. It’s my treat for working out.
They are my most addictive songs of the moment. They have to be very upbeat and leave me with a hunger to hear more. That will keep me working out longer and harder. If I can’t listen to my playlist, except for during a workout, you can imagine how that turns the tables on a workout.
Workout wear has taken a turn, too. More options are available in larger sizes, from the novice to the serious athlete. For serious athletic wear, I go to Junonia.com. Even Wal-Mart is carrying Danskin items in plus sizes now. Many times I find large size items on sale at Lane Bryant or Fashion Bug. They are not athletic wear, just tank tops and skorts that make me feel like working out. You can even pick up great finds on athletic wear (yes, even in the large sizes) at Goodwill and other secondhand stores.
Some of the things I wear to work out, I would not be caught dead wearing in public. They are for my at-home private workouts when I need extra motivation. Like what? I might wear a tighter tank top or shorts I like and just avoid mirrors. Then I concentrate on how I WANT to look in these items, and for my workout duration that is how
I look in my mind.
Taking extra fitness opportunities like the stairs, parking farther away, just walking to the mailbox all add up. If you are just starting out, this is great! If you need extra burn, it’s great! Taking fitness opportunities is almost like a game. Trying to find them and then challenging yourself more and more is easier and more fun than traditional exercise. Play with the kids, walk the dog, walk along the beach, or like me, use your walker.
Some people may never like exercise in its traditional definition. They may, however love the freedom it allows them and the choices later in life. If you don’t want to lose your freedom of choice, don’t hand over your freedom of movement.
Where do you shop for plus-size workout clothing? What is your favorite non-traditional, "fun" exercise?
At what point did exercise go from being a chore to something to look forward to for me?
When I quit making myself try to perform at other people’s levels, started challenging myself, began playing with workout fashion and discovered the power of music.
OK, so maybe I don’t always look forward to exercise, but that’s mostly because I hate working out alone. At home, a workout feels more like a chore, so I pull out the high-powered music that MAKES me move. I throw on some workout clothes that make me feel fit, rather than like a slob. The sum of those two things usually gets me arm biking in no time.
I love music! I keep a hot playlist just for workouts. It’s my treat for working out.
They are my most addictive songs of the moment. They have to be very upbeat and leave me with a hunger to hear more. That will keep me working out longer and harder. If I can’t listen to my playlist, except for during a workout, you can imagine how that turns the tables on a workout.
Workout wear has taken a turn, too. More options are available in larger sizes, from the novice to the serious athlete. For serious athletic wear, I go to Junonia.com. Even Wal-Mart is carrying Danskin items in plus sizes now. Many times I find large size items on sale at Lane Bryant or Fashion Bug. They are not athletic wear, just tank tops and skorts that make me feel like working out. You can even pick up great finds on athletic wear (yes, even in the large sizes) at Goodwill and other secondhand stores.
Some of the things I wear to work out, I would not be caught dead wearing in public. They are for my at-home private workouts when I need extra motivation. Like what? I might wear a tighter tank top or shorts I like and just avoid mirrors. Then I concentrate on how I WANT to look in these items, and for my workout duration that is how
I look in my mind.
Taking extra fitness opportunities like the stairs, parking farther away, just walking to the mailbox all add up. If you are just starting out, this is great! If you need extra burn, it’s great! Taking fitness opportunities is almost like a game. Trying to find them and then challenging yourself more and more is easier and more fun than traditional exercise. Play with the kids, walk the dog, walk along the beach, or like me, use your walker.
Some people may never like exercise in its traditional definition. They may, however love the freedom it allows them and the choices later in life. If you don’t want to lose your freedom of choice, don’t hand over your freedom of movement.
Where do you shop for plus-size workout clothing? What is your favorite non-traditional, "fun" exercise?
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Comments
When still in my 300's and up to about 230 I didn't mind baggy gym clothes. But i soon wanted to show off my smaller size, so fitted clothes were called for. But didn't want to spend a lot for sizes that would be too big in a short time. Good will or Wal Marts are good for inexpensive clothes.
I spend my money on the best fitting shoes I can buy. And not all shoes are for every workout.
I find myself doing exercises in the car, waiting in line at supermarket, there is so much one can do, without the gym.
I have found out sweating isn't so bad, it's getting me fit and I am a healthy soon to be 70 year old. - 11/14/2011 3:09:52 AM
I get the same feeling from the music and workout clothes.
You amaze me. Keep on Sparking! - 11/13/2011 12:22:36 PM
And for fun non-traditional workouts... this is where I wait for the husband and the child to be gone to work/school for the day and break out my old skool 70's vintage and line dance or boogie down the way I remembered doing as a teenager (why did I quit? I could sweat all night gettin' down wit'd it!!)... - 11/13/2011 11:28:49 AM
I do have to say that I am so grateful that so many more places have high-quality plus-sized workout wear these days. It helped me feel good about myself and my workouts in those hardest early days of this journey. Fitness should be for everyone! And everyone deserves to be able to look her best at the gym... - 11/12/2011 11:26:54 PM
As for my "fun" non traditional exercise, I'll admit it, I love to roller skate. Loved it as a kid, still love it as an adult. although, now, I do more in line skating in the summer.
- 11/12/2011 1:38:28 PM
I also love walking and hiking outside. If the weather is good, I just start itching to get out there and find the best (and preferably somewhat remote) vista. I don't think of it as exercising. I think of it as an adventure to explore new trails and scenery. - 11/12/2011 12:34:16 PM
I DO admire those who can do "workouts" at home and who love going to the gym. I wish you ALL success. - 11/12/2011 11:33:32 AM
- 11/12/2011 9:31:29 AM
As far as workout clothes, I wear a old pair of sweat pants and a T-shirt. There is no local store where I can find my size and find clothes that are comfortable. - 11/11/2011 6:57:28 PM
I love wearing my pedometer and get a kick out of seeing how far I walk each day- it does make me more aware of my walking. And for several months, I've been parking "out in the back 40" when I park in a parking lot. I would love some ideas for cardio... - 11/11/2011 4:20:40 PM
This blog was just what I needed to read at this time.
Thank you - 11/11/2011 3:11:21 PM
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