I have a confession. Going to the gym is not my most favorite thing to do. When I go, I can’t say that I ever really regret it, but it’s just not something I look forward to doing.

Nevertheless, I know that being fit and exercising – whether I do it at home or at the gym – is something I must do more regularly if I ever want to achieve my overall health and wellness goals.

Over the years, I’ve had an on-and-off again relationship with exercising and going to the gym. I have stints of weeks at a time, even months, where I’m routinely getting up and taking my morning nature walks or meeting up with friends for an evening workout and so on. The problem is, I don’t get a payoff in results because I don’t keep it consistent. I’m working on that.

I’m trying to find ways to make daily exercise a part of my normal routine – something that feels just as natural as waking up and showering, doing my chores, eating, going to work and all the other necessary things that I choose to make time for each day. I’ve made a list of things I am doing and intend to do to make it more enjoyable with the hopes that I will one day reach the point where I actually look forward to it.  

I’M STARTING SLOW.

Usually, I make the mistake of taking on too much too soon or setting unrealistic expectations for myself in my fitness journey. This time around, I’m starting slowly so that I can build my confidence gradually.

I’M GOING SHOPPING.

I believe there is truth to the adage that when you look good you feel good. And with all those mirrors in the gym, it definitely feels amazing when I get a glance at myself and like what I see. I’m putting together a fitness kit with workout gear and accessories. Items on my list include exercise cloths, shoes, a cute set of dumbbells and fabric to make some cool pillows for my yoga space.

I’M ENJOYING NEW EXPERIENCES.

Since I intend to make regular exercise a habit, it’s important for me to find things that I enjoy doing so that I will actually want to do them on a regular basis. If I’m not enjoying that the things I’ve tried before, then it only makes for me to find new things to do.

I’M TAKING CLASSES.

Trying new things isn’t always easy for me until I get better at them, so I’m enlisting experts to help me get off to the right start. I plan on taking dance classes, maybe some martial arts, yoga and maybe some other type of cardio to get a feel for what I like most. I may even schedule a few sessions with a trainer to help me set up a workout routine focused on achieving my goals.

I’M STICKING TO IT.

I am making a commitment to honoring and respecting my body by giving it what it deserves to thrive. This includes providing myself with the best of food, EXERCISE, water, relaxation, therapeutic treatments and thoughts… And so it is.