The Pain of Gain: Exercise, Part 1

The old adage, 'no pain, no gain,' has been disregarded as false just as often and sincerely as regarded as gospel. When I work with health coaching clients I'm very up-front about the difficulties of changing one's habits. Some "pain" will be involved.  In this blog I will address the issue of the pain of developing new habits around exercise.

People have a variety of attitudes toward exercise. Some people used to be very athletic in their youth but over time fell away from it.  Some people have never been athletic and they the loathe the very idea of it (this was my tribe). Some people like the thought of it, but just never seem to get around to it. Others do a limited amount of it, like taking walks occasionally, and want to take it to the next level. In any case, there will need to be a process of breaking through a mindset (brainset actually) of inactivity and systematically replacing it with something new. This can be uncomfortable (perhaps an understatement) given that the effort will be required a few days a week, week in, week out, month in, month out. Getting up an hour (or two) early to fit in a workout three to four times a week can be brutal for those who really like their sleep.

Best advice: Exercise is one of the most important things you can do for both prevention of major illness as well as to help your body heal from chronic disease. Never underestimate it. As you repeat new behavior it builds new pathways in your brain which sets those behaviors into established habits. Before you know it your brain will get you up before the alarm clock. Put your workout schedule in your planner just as your would any other appointment - and keep to it. In short order, you will begin to crave this new routine because your body was built to be physically active.  Sidenote: Sleep is an essential part of keeping or taking back your health if its compromised.  If you have to get up earlier then be sure to get to bed earlier. And remember that extra sleep may be needed as you ramp up your physical activity. If you feel tired DO NOT address it with a caffeine fix and push through.

Bottom line:  Life is a series of tradeoffs.  Getting physically fit means trading comfort and comfort food for a longer and more joyful life. Good health is not just waiting for you; it will not 'catch up' to you one of these days. If you want to keep it or if you want to reclaim it, you will have to do the hard it work that is required. Its the sweetest pain I know.