Fitness
Mission: Can I Get Kelly Ripa's Body?
Fitness
13 Excuses Super-Fit Chicks Never Make
Hate to exercise? These expert tips will motivate you to reach for your running shoes
The Excuse: "My life's depressing/stressful enough, I'm not adding exercise to it"
If you're dealing with a job you hate, a stressful home life, or any major (or even minor) life crises, exercising is probably the last thing you want to do. But really, it should be the first. Exercise boosts endorphins and allows you to handle stress better (both by releasing stress during the actual workout and building up your stamina to deal with life in general). If you can't get out of your slump, here are two tactics to try:First, re-work your thought process. Instead of saying, "I must work out," say, "I choose to work out." Vokshoor says "choose" statements are healthier for your brain, and those "must" statements keep you from reaching a workout-induced euphoria.
Next, practice gratitude. In a study where one group was told to keep track of things they were grateful for and another group was told to keep track of their hassles, the gratitude group was found to exercise about 90 minutes more per week than the hassle group. It makes sense when you think about it: Mulling over the raise you didn't get or how far away the gym is isn't exactly going to motivate you to get up off the couch.
SEE NEXT PAGE: The Excuse: "I'm too busy with my kids"
13 of 14
