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Why is it that some people need to move? They seem to have
this little voice within telling their bodies to get out there
and walk or swim or bike. Why is it that others have to battle
themselves everyday to exercise? They seem to have a little
devil on their shoulder telling them that there's something
else more important than exercise, and they continue putting
off their plans to work out. Is it that some people are just
lucky and the rest of us are meant to sit around? Who are
these people who are “intrinsically” motivated
to exercise and how can others learn from them?
The people most successful at maintaining a fitness program
view physical activity differently than those who fail at
maintaining a program. The majority of us start exercising
because of the long-term benefits. These include weight loss,
disease prevention, and longevity. Unfortunately, focusing
on benefits in the far future are not enough to keep the mass
of people motivated.
By shifting our focus from lofty expectations, like losing
20 pounds, to the positive, internal experiences of exercise,
like its effects on mood and feelings of well-being, we'll
likely find more success in maintaining an exercise program.
Those who are able to stay in the present and make physical
activity meaningful become “intrinsic exercisers.”
These lucky people are able to exercise for its own sake and
get something out of each exercise session.
Finding Your Intrinsic Exercise Soul
Intrinsic exercisers share three common characteristics.
Try to adapt these suggestions to your exercise routine to
make physical activity second nature.
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Make exercise personal and in the moment.
That way, it becomes rewarding in and of itself, motivating
you to continue on a regular basis. Let your senses take
over and feel the pleasure in moving your body. Focus
on how moving a specific set of muscles feels -- the stretch
and contraction of your leg muscles when walking, for
example. Feel the tension leave your body as you extend
and relax your limbs.
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Integrate physical activity into other aspects
of your life. Use your walk to socialize with
friends. Make your exercise a time to explore your spirituality.
Participate in a charity run to help others. Whatever
you choose, make physical activity more than just exercising
for thirty minutes at your target heart rate.
Exercising for the rest of your life is about enjoying it.
Realize that moving your body feels good, and exercise is
a positive addition to your life. Focus on the internal benefits
rather than the external. Most importantly, be active because
you want to -- not because you have to.
Read more about intrinsic exercise on our blog at www.aweightlifted.blogs.com.
Also check out the book The
Intrinsic Exerciser: Discovering the Joy of Exercise!
for a 4-step plan to help you make exercise something you
want to do.
For 37 years, Green Mountain at Fox Run has developed and refined a life-changing program exclusively for women seeking permanent strategies for healthy weight loss and healthy eating. More than just another weight loss retreat and spa, and definitely not a fat camp, Green Mountain combines proven science with what works in the real world, to offer an innovative non-diet lifestyle program. Our core weight loss program offers an integrated curriculum of practical, liveable techniques that helps women take charge of their eating, their bodies and their health. Unlike health fitness spa or adult weight loss camps, our approach is not focused on managing binge eating or just losing weight, but on how to maintain a healthy weight and healthy lifestyle. Our participants' long-term weight loss success is among the highest of any weight loss program, as documented in peer-reviewed scientific literature. Learn more about our women's weight loss program
©2006 Green Mountain at Fox Run, Ludlow,
Vermont. This information is the property of Green Mountain
at Fox Run. Permission to use single copies for personal,
noncommercial use is authorized. For all other purposes,
please see details.
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