Whether you’re trying to lose weight, get in shape, or a combination of both, there will be some compromises. For example, if overeating is your problem, you’re going to have to stop that. Although it may be unpleasant for you to stop having seconds or pass on dessert, this is a compromise that’s hard to get around.
However, there are some “rules” that you may think you have to follow that actually aren’t so ironclad after all. One so-called rule, in fact, is the idea that you have to do exercise you don’t like. You may not like exercising, and you may never like exercising. But you don’t have to do specific activities just because everyone does them.
Take yoga, for example. It’s obviously popular, even if many of the people in yoga pants never do a single stretch. However, if you’re bored by only the thought of sitting in a quiet yoga studio, don’t do it! Try something more active, like a dance fitness class.
In the same vein, if you feel claustrophobic just thinking about being in a class, don’t do that, either. Maybe you feel better out in nature, hiking or rowing. Do that, instead, and feel no guilt.
You may feel hesitant here because you think you need someone holding you accountable. But you don’t have to go to a class for that. You can meet with a personal trainer, if you’d like, just to figure out how to set your goals. Or you can join a fitness community where you share your achievements with strangers. You can find those online and/or through apps.
The bottom line is that the best exercise for you is the one that you’re going to do. So toss this idea that you have to do certain exercises because they’re trendy or because everyone says you should. Start small, make small goals, and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment you get when you demolish them.
