Working in two different fitness facilities and doing in-home personal training, I have observed what works for women and what doesn't work. Most women who hate exercising are multi-taskers that have very little time to fit exercise into their daily routine. One of the reasons that women will hire a personal trainer is because they hate exercise. Here are a 7 tips that I offer to women who hate exercise:
- Get your body moving every day. It doesn't have to be an hour at a spinning class. It could be walking your dog or walking in the mall on cold days. Take baby steps -- walk for a half a mile -- and build up to a more challenging workout -- walking or running 3 miles.
- Make sure you enjoy whatever exercise program you choose. Some people like classes. Some people don't. Some like a personal trainer. Choose what fits your exercise personality type so that you will enjoy it.
- Schedule your workout for your most energetic time of day.
- Injury is often the reason women quit exercising. I rehab a lot of people who have injured themselves from using equipment improperly. Be sure you check with your doctor before you start an exercise program so you know you're safe in the workout you choose. Check with trainers, too, if you are using a new piece of equipment at the gym or trying a new sport.
- Take photos of yourself every month in your workout gear so you have a visual record of your physical results. Remember, muscle weighs more than fat, so the scale may not show your real progress.
- If you are not comfortable in a coed gym, try a women-oriented fitness center, such as Push or Curves. This is a fast-growing fitness business, and many women feel like their workout becomes a 30-minute girls' night out at the gym. I am currently teaching classes and training women at Push, training women at a coed fitness center, and training women in their homes. Each group of women have chosen the location in which they are most comfortable, which keeps them exercising.
- Be kind to yourself. Take a day off at least once a week. I always take off Sundays and treat my body to a well-needed rest...and a few edible treats, too.
Jamie Temple, ACE, ACSM, Personal Trainer/Fitness Specialist