How I Finally Started Enjoying Exercise

How athletic am I? Let's just say in high school I joined the only sports team that had to accept everybody because I knew I wasn't skilled enough to make it through a try out. And that team was cross country.

I actually hated running so much that I faked that I had shin splits for half the season and, if I thought I'd come in last place during the race, I'd ask the coach if I could just cheer on the sidelines for our team AND our competitors. (Obviously I was not the star of the team but I did win the season award for most encouraging!)

So why did I sign up for a sport when I knew I didn't like working out? Because I thought it was the only way to get a fit body. I figured if I was forced to run 3 miles a day I'd eventually reach my ideal body: strong abs, lean muscle, toned arms. I never did get that while on the team, but I did learn a lesson that changed my perception on health and exercise.

I went into this opportunity with the wrong mindset. I was taking from my body instead of giving. I expected my body to give me the results I wanted immediately. I was impatient, greedy, and was working out from a place of self hate, and if I didn't get that result soon enough, I'd quit out of frustration. I wasn't being someone who could inevitably achieve that goal, so I had to flip the script.

Instead of working out to change my body, I started working out to give to my body. I gave my body movement to strengthen my muscles so I could be capable of doing more things. I gave my body attention by noticing and stretching out tight areas. I gave my body the daily exercises it needed to help it function at it's best. Exercise became a loving gift to myself, instead of a hateful demand from my body.

Have you ever tried this mindset shift? Try it the next time you hit the gym and let me know how it goes. I'd love to hear how it works for you.