It's Okay Not To Love Exercise - Here's How To Get It Done Anyway!

Let's be honest: not everyone loves exercising. You see people online talking about how the gym is their "happy place" or how they “can’t go a day without it.” But for some people, working out feels more like a chore than a passion. And guess what? That's completely okay. You don’t have to love exercise to make it a regular part of your life. Here’s why it’s okay to not love it and how you can still get it done and get all the benefits.

Accepting That Exercise Isn’t Always Fun

Exercise culture can make you feel like there’s something wrong if you don’t enjoy exercise. The truth is, many people find it tough or boring, I've heard it plenty of times from clients over the years. Everyone has different reasons for working out – maybe it’s to get healthier, stronger, more energetic, or maybe just to feel a little better in your own skin. These goals don’t require loving the process, only  getting it done, regardless of how you feel.

Why Exercise Still Matters

While it's okay not to be in love with exercise, moving your body has SO many benefits. Here are a few:

• Improved physical health: Regular exercise boosts immunity, strengthens muscles, and supports your cardiovascular health.
• Mental health: Exercise can help to reduce stress and anxiety, boost mood, and help you sleep better. You don’t have to love it to appreciate how much it can help your mental health.
• Increased energy levels: Believe it or not, exercise can increase your overall energy levels over time.
• Longevity: Studies show that regular exercise adds years to your life, whilst also helping you age with strength, mobility and your independence.

So, while exercise may feel challenging, it’s also an essential part of a healthy, balanced life. The trick is to find ways to incorporate it that feel manageable and even enjoyable to you.

How to Get Started Even If You Don’t Love It!

Here are some practical ways to exercise, no matter how you feel about it.

1. Start Small Set achievable goals, even if it’s a 5-10 minute walk to start. You can always add more as you get comfortable. Small wins build the momentum that makes the idea of working out feel less daunting.

2. Find Your ‘Why’ Think about why you want to exercise. If you don’t love the act itself, consider the bigger picture: more energy to play with your kids, increase your body confidence, or improved mental clarity. When your goal is meaningful to you, it can help you push through on the days you’re unmotivated (and believe me we all have a lot of unmotivated days!).

3. Choose Activities You Tolerate (or Even Enjoy) Exercise doesn’t have to mean an intense gym session or a long run. Dance, country walks, bike, swim, try a martial arts class, or try yoga – there’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to exercise. Start with activities that don’t feel dreadful, and experiment until you find something that feels right for you.

4. Make It Social Working out with a friend can make exercise feel more like a good catch up and less like a chore. Join a new class, join a walking group, or even bring a family member along. Accountability and companionship can make all a big difference.

5. Incorporate Exercise Into Your Routine Add your workout to something you already do daily. For example, do a short exercise routine before your morning coffee or go for a walk after dinner. Building it into your day means it takes less effort than trying to motivate yourself every time.

6. Create a Reward System If you don’t love working out, reward yourself for doing it. Give yourself something to look forward to, like a relaxing bath afterward, your favourite tv programme, or a special treat. This can turn a dreaded task into something you feel good about completing. If I'm finding it hard to get started, I plan my favourite lunch or dinner to look forward to when I've done what's good for me.

7. Track Your Progress Document your workouts, and celebrate small wins. I have an app where my clients track their workouts so we can both see them making progress. This might be a hitting a personal best, doing more reps than last time, or just feeling less tired after your workouts! Tracking progress makes you more aware of the progress you are making, which can motivate you to keep going.

8. Remind Yourself It’s Okay Not to Be Perfect You’re human, we all are, even Personal Trainers!!! Some days (maybe most days!), you won’t feel like working out at all, and that’s fine. Aim to stay consistent, not perfect, imperfect action is the goal. If you miss a day or two, get back on track without guilt or shame. The key is to stay in it for the long run, even if your journey has bumps along the way.

   
   
   

The Takeaway: You Don’t Have to Love It, But You’ll Be Glad You Did It

While you don’t have to love working out, your body and mind will thank you. Starting a fitness routine is like planting seeds; you may not see the results overnight, but with time and consistency, you’ll notice the positive changes that make the effort worth it.

You might never be someone who “can’t wait” to exercise, but that doesn’t mean you can’t commit to it. Embrace the fact that, just like any other self-care habit, it’s something you do because it’s good for you – not necessarily because you love it x