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Exercise - Learn to love it!
Exercise has been defined as repetitive physical work with a specific goal or objective in mind. Sportsmen and women exercise with the explicit goal of improving performance; you and I may exercise with the specific goal of increased health and/or fitness.
Of course problems set in when the goals of the activity, for one reason or another, fail to materialise. Sportspeople may retire from highly competitive sport when they can no longer maintain or improve performance. In a similar vein, people may stop their exercise program if they aren’t achieving the goals they set at the outset of the activity.
So the question is ‘why bother to exercise’? The answer should become ‘because I love it!’ Individuals that stick to a long-term exercise or activity programs have shifted their focus from the outcome goals – fitness, performance, weight loss - to the process of being fit and active.
This is a subtle, but important shift. Once you begin to enjoy the activity, it will be much easier to stick with the activity. It will gain a higher priority in your day and you will find fewer conflicts with your activity because of shifting priorities. (It is always easier to prioritise something you enjoy over something you don’t).
Exercise comes in many forms and a focus on the experience of the activity, rather than the long term benefits will enhance adherence. If you have started a gym or walking regime this year you should consciously make note of the positive aspects of your day to day involvement. Make note of how nice the neighbourhood looks in the morning during your walk, or how you feel strong and invigorated after your exercise class.
Choose your activities carefully for the positive experiences they can offer and you are on the road to long term participation (and those original goals will eventually be met).
Article by Professor Kerry Mummery
Central Queensland University
