I can't say I've ever been keen on the whole strenuous exercise thing myself. I didn't mind stepping/rebounding in front of the TV, walking or dancing but I never got particularly fit with that.

To take it one step further and actually improve my fitness just seemed like such an effort, getting sweaty, huffing and puffing.

I was put off by all the time it would take to get ready for it and get showered after it, never mind the bother of actually doing it.

Most of the time the weather outdoors here is far from inviting with rain and biting wind or dull grey skies but going to the gym would add even more time. And then there are always the nutters in cars who cheer (or jeer) as you run past red in the face, doing your best to look cool....

Seemed like it just wasn't worth the effort...I made several attempts and gave up.

So how come I'm starting to see the light and be a bit of a convert now?

Well, first of all I committed to doing it - friends challenged me to do a 5K race in May.

And then when I braced myself to actually get going on a program a few weeks later, I started to experience the advantages in a relatively short time.

1. It feels so good - I feel fantastic every time I get back from my run - it's a real rush (and I feel proud of myself too)

2. My legs are firming up - they never looked that bad but my muscle tone is improving all the time

3. My energy levels are fantastic - even after exhausting myself running, I feel I could do anything

4. I'm sleeping better - I seem to be healthily tired at night and waking refreshed

5. My skin looks brighter - must be all that oxygen pumping around

6. I know it's doing my health good - even at my relatively low level of fitness everything improves

Now I can still honestly say that I'm not thinking "fantastic, it's a day for running today" - I'm still at the stage of thinking "oh no, I've got to go running". I also find it pretty tough during the session though not painful - just an effort. But I have never once regretted getting myself out there and doing it. That's what I often remind myself of when I'm dithering about, not wanting to do it.

At times I wish I'd taken my own advice and started something where I would enjoy the process as well as the results but for now I'm happy with the progress I'm making and that is keeping me going.

If you want to really love exercise then choose something which you think you will enjoy (there are a million and one fun activities out there which might suit you more than running) and then just turn up over and over again until you feel the benefits. Be ready to put in the effort and you'll get the results pretty quickly. You'll never look back.

Copyright 2007, Janice Elizabeth Small

 

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