Up the Fun Factor

Question: I’ve been exercising for years and always enjoyed it until lately. Now when I’m working out all I can think about is getting it over with. Am I the only one who feels this way?

Answer: No, you’re not alone. We all experience this. On some level, you obviously enjoy exercising because you’ve been doing it for a while. You just need to find a way to reconnect with the joy that’s been lost. You need to increase the fun factor. First, change your workouts. Exercise at a different pace, or do it in different places or with different people. Also, before your workout, take 5 to 8 minutes for a visualization exercise. Imagine having a great workout and feeling good. Say things like: “I love my workouts. They’re my special time. I’m taking care of myself.” Another option is to take two or three weeks off. You’ll come back with a lot of joy and excitement.

Question: I’m injured and can’t work out. It’s driving me crazy. What can I do?

Answer: I’ve been injured a lot, so I understand the incredible frustration and disappointment that goes along with it. But you need to see injury for what it is and take advantage of this time off. In Chinese, the word “crisis” means both danger and opportunity. If you focus on the danger, you’ll be frustrated, nervous, and tense—and you won’t heal as quickly. Instead, focus on the opportunity. Catch up on other aspects of your life such as work and family. If it’s a sports injury, learn about training so you understand why you got hurt. Take a yoga class. Get support by talking to friends or trainers who’ve had similar injuries. Do another sport that uses different muscles. Once I injured my gluteus maximus muscle in my left butt and couldn’t run. A friend suggested I try cycling. I fell in love with it. That was 16 years ago and I’ve been riding ever since. My injury gave me a chance to discover something I’d never tried.