Five Ways to Beat the Exercise Demons

Do you ever fight the exercise battle?

Year after year I have fought this battle. My intentions are always good. My plans seem to be very sound at the time. But then something happens.

A bad day at work, or the weather turns ugly. An unexpected trip out of town or a family issue, it doesn’t take much.

I stick to my plan for a few weeks, sometimes even months. Then it happens. Something comes up, yes, one of those issues.

A missed day here, then another… before I know it, a week has passed and I haven’t even been to the gym.

Do you know what I mean? Have you been there? I’m sure you have at some time or another.

So today, I started back on my exercise program, after one of those lost weeks. As I exercised I started to remind myself of the things that always help me stay on track. I decided to share them with all of my friends on Bleacher Report.

I hope these few tips can help you beat those exercise demons.

1)     Get a Gym Membership. 

I’m sure there will be debate on this one so let me explain. There is nothing more disturbing to me than money wasted. So, if I’m paying for a gym membership, then I will most likely use it on a regular basis.

Others may like the idea of not leaving the house. I can understand that as well.

Of course sometimes, getting out of the house is an incentive as well, especially for those of us with kids.

2)     Find a piece of exercise equipment that you really like. 

I love the elliptical!

I hate the treadmill! After 10 minutes on the treadmill I am looking at the door, ready to leave. Excuse after excuse pops into my head.

But for some reason, the elliptical is different for me. I stay focused and push myself each time I use it. Staying focused is a big key.

Concentrate of what you are accomplishing. The first five minutes are tough. Once that second wind kicks in, you will be glad you stuck with it.

3)     My Ipod.

Music is a major factor in keeping me on track.

I have created several play lists of favorite songs, and alternate between them.

I love to use fast paced, and upbeat songs. So ditch the Barry Manilow, or the Celine Dion. You don’t want to fall asleep, and fall off.

Here are a few that I recommend…

Dave Matthews Band – “Two Step”

Coldplay – “A Rush of Blood to the Head”

The Cars – “You Might Think”

Don Henley – “The Boys of Summer”

U2 – “Vertigo”

Tom Petty – “Saving Grace”

These songs are all upbeat, with a fast tempo that will keep you moving. Musical tastes are different. Just find what works for you, and crank up the volume.

4)     Racquetball.

If you can play a spirited hour of racquetball and not pass out, you’re in better shape than you think.

My son and I have had some great father – son battles in the past year. He has more energy, and I have more common sense.

He usually gives me a battle in the first game, and then the “old man” out last him in the end.

I like to run him from one side to the other. That seems to even us up a bit.

Racquetball is great exercise. You will burn a tremendous amount of calories in an hour. It’s also great fun!

5)     Pace yourself.

My last tip is simple and very self-explanatory. Remember, it’s a marathon not a sprint. This is not a 100-yard dash.

Start off slow. Don’t try to keep up with the elliptical pro on your right. Shes most likely been at this for some time. Build up your stamina, or you will burn out quickly.

Keep an exercise journal and track your progress. You’ll be an old pro in no time.                                                                                               

Sounds simple doesn’t it? It really can be if you just find out what works for you and stick to it.

So don’t be a couch potato. Watch this Saturdays game while you walk or run on the treadmill. Record your next Bleacher Report article while you use the elliptical.

Do it for yourself and for your family. They would probably love to have you around for a while.

So the next time those dreaded exercise demons try to talk you out of a planned workout, just say no. Grab that Ipod and head to the gym. You’ll be glad you did.