Waiting rooms or working out? A great motivator for exercise

What does it take to get me out of bed for an early morning walk? What does it take to get me off the couch to workout? Sometimes a cold hard look at reality and reframing a situation. Research shows there’s an interesting paradox when it comes to effort: When given a choice, we humans tend to avoid effort. Yet also, we tend to place higher value on anything that requires effort to achieve. In some cases, the effort brings more satisfaction than the actual achievement.

A worthy investment of time

When I need a little reframing to get me moving, I remember this:  Exercise is a worthy investment of my time. Anyone who’s been reading this blog knows we like to talk about things that can help you thoroughly thrive:  fitness, healthy eating, fulfilling relationships, life-long learning, pursuing activities that provide a purpose and/or bring joy. Much of this is about investing in yourself and those you love.

I can either spend this time now exercising or I can spend it later sitting in doctors’ offices and at medical appointments.

ME MOTIVATING MY LAZY SELF TO GET MOVING

While we hope we’re bringing you information you may not have come across before, some of it will not be new. We all know there are things we should do. But often we don’t do them. Why not? What can motivate us to do them? In the case of exercise, I often think this: I can either spend this time now exercising or I can spend it later sitting in doctors’ offices and at medical appointments. Ouch! While that may be harsh, it’s a future I’d like to minimize as much as possible. Less harsh, whenever I have an errand to run that’s within a mile or two, I ask myself, “Am I so fit that I wouldn’t benefit from a walk or bike ride?” This encourages me to leave the car behind.

Living healthier tends to be less costly

These motivators not only get me moving, they remind me that exercise is a worthy investment in time and money. Being more fit will likely help me live longer and better. Living healthier is less costly and will likely help me avoid medical bills. Adults who are physically active spend nearly $1,500 less per year on health care than inactive adults.

Building movement into everyday life can be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the escalator (a choice that only 2% of people make), choosing the furthest parking space, stretching or exercising while watching tv, etc. The possibilities are endless.

Everything in life involves trade-offs. How would I rather spend my time: Working out now or in waiting rooms later?

Engage with us: In the comments tell us your best motivators for working out.