Hate is such a strong word

There are many of you out there that have a LOVE-HATE relationship with exercise.  Some need that exercise high and look forward to pushing their bodies.  They love the feeling of burning in the muscles and don't mind being soggy from pushing their limits.  Others despise gyms, sweat, pain and everything they associate with exercise.  In order to get people passionate about moving, we have to understand the reasons why people dislike exercise and what we can do to help turn the "hate" speed bump that slows you down into  a "love" hurdle you jump over.

• Not in good enough shape-Fitness is an ongoing battle.  Don't wait for perfection to start.  Gauge your activities on what you can do and progress from there.  If you are unsure where to start, ask a fitness expert.  There are great, reputable resources on the internet or ask a trainer to help guide you.
• Don't like to sweat-Sweat is a good thing.  It is your body's air conditioning system.  If you are not sweating when you are working out, it may be time to change your routine. It is also very cleansing and purifying.  You can also choose an activity that you don't notice that you are sweating like aqua fitness.
• Knows how much work exercise can be-Not everyone loves to push their bodies to the limit.  Understanding that you have something strenuous before you can be pretty intimidating along with knowing that it is not just the workout but possibly the soreness or fatigue that will probably follow.  Your efforts will be rewarded.  Just stick with it.  You will get great satisfaction from overcoming the intimidation factor
• Don't have the right clothes-Easy to fix.  There are many apparel options out there with a wide  range of prices and coverage.  Pick something that breaths and helps with wicking.  Don't select something you are constantly tugging on to keep in place or makes you think about your clothes rather than your exercise.  
• Don't have the skills or isn't coordinated enough-There are so many options out there to choose from. Find things you love to do and start from there.  If you have never danced, don't pick an advanced ballet class.  If you don't like to be on the beat of the music, no worries.  There are several options like boot camp style, strength training, kettle bell, etc.  Once you find your niche, don't stop there.  Get a little confidence under your belt and then try something out of your comfort box.  Zumba is a great class to get you moving and there is no pressure to be the next Beyonce'
• Don't have the time-Biggest reason people stay away.  Schedule in your workouts just like you would any other appointment.  It should take as much priority as anything else.  Find realistic times that work with your schedule and stick to it.
• Don't like muscle soreness-Not every workout should give you muscle soreness and it is not healthy to be sore all of the time.  It is totally understandable and expected but your muscles need rest and recovery and not every workout should be so intense that you can't walk the next day.
• It hurts to move-Injuries can really set you back if you allow them to.  You should always listen to your body.  If you have an injury or a chronic ache or pain, find out what is causing it and then find ways to work out or around the injury without perpetuating the problem.  There are many solutions to maintaining fitness.  Stopping isn't always the solution.
• Did too much too soon-Many times the motivation is there but you start off too strong.  Pace yourself.  You don't want to make yourself so sore that you can't work out for a week.  Allow your body adequate rest and recovery in between pushes.
• Had a bad experience-No one likes to get hurt and it if that happens while they are exercising, fear plus the injury can keep people from trying the activity again.  Again, educate yourself on what may have caused the injury and then find alternative ways to strengthen you body especially the injured area.  Muscle imbalances or compensations are top reasons for getting injured.
• Cost-Many think that they have to join a gym to get fit.  No way.  You can get a great workout without using any equipment but your body weight.  Find a playground and play (exercise) there, YMCA and other community centers offer classes at reduced rates.  Household articles can be used for equipment like milk jugs, canned goods.  Cleaning can be a great workout.  Try lunging every time you push the vacuum forward.
• Don't like the smell-Well,  that can be tough.  Hopefully it is not you.  Use deodorant but try and not use any strong smelling products.  No one likes to workout next to the person who bathed in their cologne before they came to the gym.
• No support-If you go to a gym, join a class or small personal training group.  You'll meet new friends and  have fun commiserating or laughing together.  If you exercise on your own, start a running group or get your neighborhood involved in Saturday hike together.  The possibilities are endless.  

Even if you have another reason why you "hate" exercise, don't let it stop you.  Fitness will improve your quality of life and give you many reasons to enjoy every day.