You Know What I Like Best About Exercise? I Like When It's Over!

I believe that was a quote from the late Dave Thomas, owner of Wendy's...from one of his commercials.  I always got a chuckle out of that one, because there is a real element of truth to that...even for those of us in the fitness business.

Clients will sometimes say to me, "I need you, because I HATE exercise"...and I often think, well I do too -- sometimes. 

It's funny, I think people who don't exercise consistently are under the misconception that everyone who does always LOVES the process.  We'll I for one don't...sometimes I definitely do...had a great run on Tuesday that I loved from start to finish.  But sometimes you are just dragging your tail the entire time.  Sometimes you can get a bit bored, sometimes you'd rather be eating, sleeping, watching TV...anything but working out.  That's just the nature of the beast.  You do it because you know the results are worth it...even if the process isn't always fun.

I was in that kind of a mood today.  I was doing my warm-up with my corrective exercises (another blog in itself) and I was really having a tough time getting into it.  Even my favorite tunes permanently damaging my hearing was not motivating me. 

Then my friend Ray (another trainer) came by and I said (half joking)..."Wow, this exercise stuff really sucks!!  I'm sweating, I'm uncomfortable....why would anyone in their right mind do this to themselves?  I should be in bed ...sleeping!"... without missing a beat he said "or maybe eating some donuts" at which point we both cracked up.

The point is that exercise isn't always fun...neither is brushing your teeth or flossing, but the results are what make it all worthwhile.   It's unrealistic that every workout is going to be fun...or easy.   One thing is for sure, Dave Thomas was right...I always feel better...happier...when it's over. 

Geralyn Coopersmith, MA, CSCS is an exercise physiologist, certified personal trainer and the creator of The Best Me Ever, a comprehensive weight loss and wellness system just for women