Confession #3: I don't Like Exercise. I'm no Beth.
“Hi, Brandi! Do you want to go for a little run?” These are the words I could expect whenever I’d answer a phone call from my friend Beth. Beth, the one who set a goal to run marathons in every state. Beth is built like a graceful doe, whereas I have more of a kangaroo-like build. By “little run,” she always meant at least three miles. I would answer with as much enthusiasm as I could fake. “Sure, Beth. I’ll be right over.” I would walk my pear-shaped body to our meeting spot and do my best to keep up.
Because of my friend Beth, I can say I once ran a 15k race. We took an end-of-said-race photo. Beth’s smiled wide, arms spread in victory, still doe-prancing through the finish line and looking ready for another nine miles. I looked like I needed a stretcher. At least I finished.
Thank goodness for the Beths in my world, because without them, I would likely be a hypocritical, non-dietitious slug.
No, I am no Beth. I do not enjoy running. I confess that in most circumstances, I don’t have the discipline to exercise by myself.
What I do about not liking exercise.
Exercise is important. Countless studies show that exercise is one of the most important things you can do to maintain quality of life. Blah, blah, blah.
When you’re not a Beth, to stay fit you have to do at least one of these things:
- Find a Beth in your neighborhood. After the Navy moved us away from my enthusiastic friend, I had to find another plan, or another Beth. I didn’t know a soul, but I made this happen by starting an informal walking group in my neighborhood. It was so easy. I simply asked other ladies at a local meeting who would like to join. You should have seen it! All of the doe ears in the room perked up, heads swiveling toward me. As if I were Snow White calling them to the glen, the neighborhood Beths emerged from the crowd. I don’t have to do anything now but wait for a text from a neighbor, initiating our walks. I found a way to stay fit and make friends at the same time. Sometimes I’m just brilliant
- Find something you actually do love to do. It’s out there. You may need to search a bit like I have. Running is not that thing for me. It bores me unless I’m with a friend who likes to run and chit-chat. Spin class makes my hoo-ha hurt. Swimming? Bathing suits are a deterrent. TRX was sort-of okay. But then, I found my thing: pickleball. I love it, I’ll go play it, no Beth required. I’d even be your Beth for a game of pickleball!
So go on. Find your Beth or find your pickleball. If I can, you can.
What tips do you have to stay exercise-motivated?