We all know we should exercise for our physical, mental and emotional health. But what if we really don’t enjoy it? For those of us who are not innately thrilled to be going to the gym and working out on the weight machines or cardio machines to nowhere, following through on our exercise goals can be the most difficult part of keeping a healthy living routine. This is especially true during the many months of cold, rainy weather in the Northwest.  Here are a couple tips to support you in your goals toward healthy living:

1. Don’t focus on how much you don’t want to do it:

Once there you may be able to get into your workout and not mind it so much. A client told me if she can walk for at least 24 minutes, she’ll make her 60 minutes goal. She doesn’t know why this turning point happens at that time, but knowing that it’s there, helps her persist in going for the walk and staying at it long enough to reach the good feeling. Another client used the sensation of diving into the pool as her carrot to get there. She confessed she never actually wanted to go to the pool, but by focusing on the sensations of entering the water, which was her favorite part, she was able to get herself there consistently.

In addition, keep in mind that the feeling of accomplishment and better energy and mood after the workout can even make you glad you went. Think about how your self-esteem will strengthen saying, ‘today I did that’ rather than feeling sheepish and upset with yourself for not going. Endless studies support the boost in mood and energy as well as improved sleep that result from exercise. Your stress level will come down and your patience will go up.

Rather than focusing your thoughts on how you should go exercise and on how much you don’t want to go, focus on feeling good once you’re there and on how good you’ll feel afterward.

2. Figure out what will inspire or energize you while you’re exercising:

Nothing is worse than walking on a treadmill facing a wall or running the same route over and over again. What will help you feel good while you’re exercising? Is it a podcast? A certain music playlist? A book you never seem to get to? A movie you want to watch on some device while using a machine? Is there someone who will go with you sometimes? A team you can join/create to share the different legs of a triathlon? A goal, like you’re first 5K?

It’s easy to get in a rut and have your program feel boring. Try different things, be creative and mix it up.