I wish I had the formula to give and make it easy for you to never miss a day, even on holidays or rainy days, and actually enjoy and look forward to it.
If I describe how it is for me, it might spark something and inspire you. Or you might cringe and feel like having a wine and watching Netflix, which I also like.
Exercise is my medicine. I don't skip as I don't skip to brush my teeth.
I put on my fitness gear as soon as I wake up.
I will work out as soon as I have a moment. It might be at home, the beach, the gym, or the park in the morning, during a break, before lunch, or before dinner. I fit in exercise wherever I am, whether it's on holidays or workdays.
I make it easy for myself; I have everything I need, always ready in a gym bag. I have a handy area for exercising at home, and all my equipment stays together.
It is not a sacrifice; it is a need.
It is how I meditate; how I process my thoughts, through the movement, at each breath, I deepen my thoughts, I slowly clear my mind, I start to have ideas and solutions, I add a smile when it is getting more challenging, I feel the muscle, I recruit the power, I might scream, make some noise, sing, I focus on the moment, I am present, I feel the sweat running in my face, I feel stronger, I feel grounded, I feel ready. It empowers me. It saves me; it always has.
Throughout my life, during the most challenging times—the loss of my mum, the loss of my dad, and a few broken hearts—I always hold myself together with my exercise. I hang in there. I might not be able to do anything else, but I exercise.
Movement brings me back home and calms me down.
The repetitiveness doesn't make me feel bored. It makes me think in rhythm. I feel the beat of my heart, and it makes me want to challenge myself a bit more. Add more weights, let me try one kilo more. I can do it.
I feel more empowered whenever I increase the weights or add more reps. I like to see my muscles grow, feel the pulsing, and feel my heart.
I like to train with music, from hip hop to chill to silence, just listening to my breath. So, my training style varies according to my moment, cycle, season, and moon.
I don't do it because I want to lose weight or it is essential for my health; those are consequences.
But I don't think about this; those reasons don't motivate me.
I do because I don't know how to live without it. I like myself with it.
Exercise makes me a better person for myself and everybody around me.
If I don't do it, I feel blah, lethargic, down and dragging myself.
It is a need; It is compulsory.
It is my energy release, an endorphin quest, and I chase the feel-good hormone.
I don't know how to live without it.
My love letter to exercise will help you put the gear on and start today.