Six Steps To Exercise Resistance

What Is Exercise Resistance?

Exercise resistance was first coined in 1996 by Francie White, MS, RD, a California-based nutrition therapist who also holds an exercise physiology degree. "Exercise resistance is a conscious or unconscious block against becoming regularly active," she says.

The Six Steps

Exercise resistance is treatable. Outlined are a series of steps involved in the recovery:

• Step 1
• Explore the history of what may have happened to block your drive to have fun moving. Ask yourself these questions:
  • What feelings or memories surface when you think of exercise?
  • When did exercise become a chore or requirement?
  • Do you connect exercise to losing weight or changing your shape; if so, how does that make you feel about exercise?
  • What connection does exercise have to your sexuality?
  • Did changes in your attitude toward exercise occur during puberty?
  • Were attitude changes related to sexual abuse, harassment, or feelings of sexual vulnerability?
  • How does exercise relate to your current view of you and your body?
  • Who are your fitness role models?
• Step 2
• Forbid yourself to exercise for several weeks to six months. "When you do this," White says, "you start wondering when you can exercise."
• Step 3
• Think about what activity you enjoy doing. If you could do any physical movement you wanted, what would it be?
• Step 4
• Imagine connecting with that activity. If you've always loved walking, don't think about getting on a treadmill. Instead, see yourself hiking a trail surrounded by nature.
• Step 5
• Commit to being active because you want to be active. Don't start exercising because you're supposed to or because you want to lose weight. Rather than relying on external reasons to exercise, internalize your desire. Also, understand that being active is a lifelong commitment.
• Step 6
• Get educated about exercise (i.e., find out what shoes are best for your chosen activity) and start moving.

Cheers,

Eve :-)