Suddenly I love exercise. I’ve loved it just about every single weekday for way more than a month. That’s a total record for me. Until now, sticking to any kind of exercise routine has been impossible. I just. couldn’t. do. it.
Because, I lied a little bit in that first sentence. I actually hate exercise. I hate swimming, running , I even hate walking. I’ve tried a whole heap of things over many, many years to get into an exercise habit: meeting up with countless friends for crack-of-dawn power walks; buying expensive gym memberships an embarrassing number of times; using a local nightclub as a weekly dance class; trying random sports like rowing, hockey, belly dancing and aqua aerobics. Oh my word, have I tried.
Main reasons I hate exercise:
- Sweat
- Boring
- Routine
- Boring
- Lazy
- Boring
Then there’s the whole fitness thing. Despite my loathing of exercise, I’ve actually always been reasonably fit so this lets me get away with not having an exercise routine. How is this possible? Well, for a few reasons, actually.
Firstly, I’m incidentally fit. I’m happy to do any kind of exercise that has a purpose, so despite my loathing of breaking a sweat we walk to school. I’ll happily park blocks away from the shops, I take the stairs, I clean my house with gusto, I garden, I push myself to heave extra bags of groceries up the stairs rather than go back to the car for one last trip. Basically, as long as I’m walking to somewhere or from somewhere, I’ll walk for hours. And if I’m in a hurry, I might even run a bit.
Secondly, I like yoga and stretching and have been doing both since forever. Don’t make me do them. Don’t make me have a ‘morning yoga routine’ or anything horrible like that and I’ll happily do yoga or stretch several times a week, when I feel like it.
Thirdly, I like being outside. I think we are naturally more active when we are outside and luckily that happens for me for a good part of every day.
So all of that goes on in my life and I feel pretty good, but lately I’ve been walking every single weekday for about 45 minutes and I just can’t get over how righteous I feel. This new walking habit ticks precisely none of my boxes: I follow the exact same steep path at roughly the same time of day every day – so it’s boring and routine and I get all sweaty. And I’m not actually walking to anywhere so there is nothing incidental about this new habit.
So what’s making me do it? Why now after all these years?
Podcasts.
I am only allowed to listen to podcasts when I’m walking or running and at no other time. And I’ve discovered I love podcasts – it’s like having someone read to you. So out I go. In fact, everyday I look forward to getting out there and going for my boring, routiney, sweaty walk because I love the podcasts I listen to so much. Here are my top 6 right now:
1. Happier with Gretchen Rubin and her sister Elizabeth Craft
2. Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert
3. Straight and Curly with my good mates Kelly Exeter and Carly Jacobs.
4. The Slow Home Podcast with Brooke McAlary
5. The Minimalist Podcast with Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus
6. Zen Habits Radio with Leo Babauta
So, my advice for anyone who is struggling with making exercise a habit is this: don’t make exercise a habit, make a reward for exercising a habit. Try a podcast carrot.
What makes you want to exercise?
Erin says
Totally get this as I’ve experienced the same! I now like setting out at 6am for a walk around our property as I get to listen to a podcast, 45 min (time it takes) is usually is enough time to finish one off. It doesn’t feel like exercise.
Definitely checking these out, though I have heard of Gretchen Rubin, two others for you
What Should I Read Next , a Literary Matchmaking, “Tell me three books you love and one you hate”,
http://modernmrsdarcy.com/category/podcast/
and Read Aloud Revival, Creating a Family Culture Around Books, inspirational, hugely informative
http://amongstlovelythings.com/category/podcast/
Maxabella says
They both sound exactly like my thing, Erin. Thank you. x
Deborah says
I’m struggling to enjoy any exercise at the moment but used to be a fan of classes. I loved dance-based classes and even when I used to walk I needed to have music blaring in my ears. I think I could listen to a podcast as well though. I’ve started listening to audiobooks on drives for work.
Maxabella says
I quite like a dance too, Deborah. I want to check out Newtown’s No Light No Lycra classes with a view to maybe starting up a weekly event in my own neighbourhood… fun!
Kathy says
Well done on your new walking habit Bron – I think I should get in the podcast habit also. I just spend so much time in yoga studios and when I walk it is usually with our 11 month old 35kg! chocolate labrador pulling so strongly on the lead to get to the park that its hard to concentrate on a podcast.
Maxabella says
Arabella really wants a dog. If we go for it, I might have a new walking companion too!!
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
I listen to podcasts when I go running and the time passes so quickly! I’m looking forward to checking out some of your favourites.
Maxabella says
What are some of your favourites, Sammie?
Shannon@ my2morrows says
I love all these podcasts too! Ive also just discovered audio books and currently have Amy Schumer reading me her latest book. It’s like were bff’s having her read it. So so good. Great stuff with the walking habit. Xx
Maxabella says
That’s such a good idea, Shannon. When the excitement of podcasts wears off, I now have my next go-to to keep me motivated. x
Jodi Gibson says
I do love exercising, so will have to agree to disagree on that point, but I totally agree with the podcast motivation. We either walk to school, so I can listen to a podcast on the way home, or otherwise I have to walk the dog each day anyway – so Yay! podcast time! Love all those podcasts you mentioned, except the zen habits one – will have to check that out.
Maxabella says
What do you like listening to, Jodi?
Robyna | the mummy and the minx says
Such a good tip. I’ve started a new (brutal) exercise class and I’m just happy that my legs hurt for 3 days rather than 5 like the first week. If it hurts it’s got to work right?
Maxabella says
Brutal I don’t think I could do!!! x
Denyse says
Incidental and planned walking is what works for me. I too did all those other exercise things. Boo. I don’t even like being in a class. I tried it , even as a senior, I really did. I did a yoga class. OH. I am not good at that. But walking, the ultimate weight bearing exercise is for me. I try to beach walk when its warmer as there is the added benefit of being near the water and on the sand. I like you incorporating the podcasts. Some of those are on my list too.
Maxabella says
Beach walking is sooooo good for you, Den. x
Kirsty @ My Home Truths says
I’m the opposite to you – I actually love to exercise. I love walking, playing tennis and I used to also play golf, indoor cricket, netball and I even played touch football for a while. At present I’m trying to teach myself to jog. I love walking and could do that for hours. But it appears I currently lack the mental discipline required to push through and jog/run for any period of time. And while I’d love to listen to podcasts I’m never organised in downloading them for when I need them so I either listen to music or play Pokemon Go as I exercise!
Maxabella says
It doesn’t sound like you need any extra motivation anyway, Kirsty. Lucky lady! I would LOVE to love exercising.
Sarah @sarahdipity says
This is exactly what I do! I used to hate exercise but now I view it as a bit of me time to listen to a podcast
Maxabella says
It works so well!
Hugzilla says
Yep! This is the tip I have given to people in the past. Find something enjoyable to tie in with the exercise and don’t let yourself enjoy that thing at any other time so it kind of forces you out the door. I quite enjoy running but what makes it for me is that I LOVE listening to stupid pop music and that gives me the perfect chance to get out by myself and zone out with the headphones on. Podcasts and audiobooks are a great accompaniment to boring shit like exercise. And let’s face it – it is boring. LOL.
Maxabella says
I’m just so happy that I’ve found a ‘me’ thing that gets me moving. It’s taken a long, long time. Even music didn’t do it for me because, of course, I couldn’t make music exclusive to a walk or run. Music fuels life, after all! x
P S – You are especially chipper today. 🙂
Sneh | Cook Republic says
I am going to try this. I have been wanting to listen to podcasts since the world around started obsessing with them and I need to do something other that the incidental walking and once a month yoga stretch. Thanks for the inspo Bron! x
Maxabella says
This will suit you to a T, Sneh. You will like the Gretchen Rubin podcast, I think! x
Jenni from Styling Curvy says
Podcasts are something I want to start listening to but am easily distracted at home. I think your walking and listening thing might be the trick I need
Maxabella says
You’ll love the headspace, Jenni. I honestly look forward to it every day and if I don’t get to go… well, I must! x
Kelly Exeter says
I feel stupidly honoured to be on the list of ‘friends you exercise with’. Podcasts have been my running buddy for 7 odd years now. Gosh I remember the days where id be all caught up on my faves and I’d have nothing to listen to. That is NOT a problem these days!!!
Maxabella says
You’ve always been such an early adopter, Kel. I’m more trailer, but I get there eventually!!! x
Raych Case says
Due to health issues, mainly the fact I keep falling over for some strange reason (which leads to popping shoulders or breaking ribs) my exercise is limited at the moment. How I miss it. I’m about to start up again, with at least daily walking and hopefully something in the hydro pool. I can’t wait. I feel so much better for it.
Maxabella says
Gosh, Raych, I hope you get that sorted quickly. Do they know what is causing it?
Emma says
This is the exact same for me. Although for me it’s audiobooks. I have never ever loved exercise but knowing that I’ll be listening to next bit of my story gets me out there! That and meeting friends to walk at the same time every week.
Maxabella says
In a way, an audiobook might be even better as I would be in suspense. I’m no good at putting a good book down!!
Min@WriteoftheMiddle says
Woohoo – what a brilliant idea! Yay for podcasts! Well done you doing all that boring routiney walking. I usually listen to music on my walks but you have got me all excited because there are so many podcasts I want to listen to but not enough time. But wait … there is when I go walking! So excitement! 🙂
Maxabella says
You’ll be hooked on walking in no time, Min. x
Clare says
Ha! I actually love to exercise in a class, I am hopeless by myself though! What I do hate is aimless walking, like you I walk all over but I am always going somewhere.
Dog walks are the worst of aimless walking, so I also deploy tha podcast while walking the dog! My favourites are This American Life and The Jealous Curator.
Maxabella says
The Jealous Curator sounds so good!! I was hoping dog walking would feel purposeful…
Rachel says
Oh, great idea Bron. I need to get moving more as I’ve put on a few kilos this year. My husband has just slimmed down heaps and instead of inspiring me, it’s kind of overwhelming me… Thanks for the encouragement to just start something.
Maxabella says
I can attest that the trim husband is indeed an overwhelming thing!!!
Agent Spitback says
Now this is an interesting tip! I am soooooooo lazy. Honestly, I rather cuddle up in bed with a book or netflix than be out there, just exercising. When I first started my daily 10k steps, my friend recommended me listening to inspirational podcasts and then helped motivate me but honestly after a while, I sort of withered away. Now if someone would buy me the google glasses with Netflix, I might go out again. But you know what? I might give your idea a go.
Maxabella says
I ant honestly see watching Netflix while walking raking off!!! But an audiobook – a really, really good one – might work? And then it’s just a matter of making it a habit.
Maxabella says
* taking off
Helen K says
Ah, so that’s the secret! So glad you’ve found something that works for you!
I actually love walking – it’s one of the things I do enjoy because things to see, variations even in the same repetitive route (look at that bud out in bloom – I wonder what that is? Look at that extension – is it working? Nah, I’d have used a gable end – and how on earth did that get approval? *Mental note to ring Council*). Plus I usually have the little face of Rosie looking back at me, tail wagging, and that’s a good accompaniment. I really need to do it more – I don’t because I think it’s not full on exercise (I’ve got this mental block about the pace I should set, so I try and turn it into a run, which I don’t like but think I should and yada yada). But I’ll go for a couple of runs (or ralks – run/walks) down by the beach this weekend because that’s beautiful (distraction is key for me – that and, once I pass a certain point, I start feeling like there’s no turning back so I need to keep going).
Btw – while you’re mentioning Brooke and Kelly’s separate podcasts, Let It Be is also great to listen to (and then I tend to slip into Big Ideas, This American Life, any number of author / novel podcasts, and one Kelly suggested – Peter Shankman’s podcast about ADD / ADHD – he talks so fast you literally run just to keep pace with his talking!)
Maxabella says
I could do with the push of the ADD podcast! But I have relaxed the notion that it needs to be a run to be beneficial. I am enjoying the walks and that feels enough. Thinking I have to do more will kill it, I think. We really only need to be fit enough for the lifestyle we lead…
Amy @ HandbagMafia says
Bron, you may well be a genius! I’m gonna try it!
Simone says
I love that tip! I”allow” myself to listen to podcasts whilst doing the dishes and when I am in the car driving by myself. I should surely add exercise into this mix and will be bounding out the door. Your whole discussion is totally relatable.
Cate@Life Behind The Purple Door says
walking has always been my exercise of choice, but finding space to do it has really slowed down in recent years. But now we’ve got a big dog that needs walking morning and night, and she won’t listen to anyone else. My jeans fit again, which has really made those 5.30am mornings worth it.
Lauren says
I can relate! I also hate exercise and the baggage that comes with it, but I love ‘walking to the shops’, ‘playing soccer with the kids’ and anything else that’s generally active. Just not ‘exercise’
Toni @ Finding Myself Young says
When I used to go to the gym years ago I’d spend hours there because I’d put my headphones in and listen to techno music and never wanted the songs to end. Now I have a 3yr old constantly asking me questions, demanding I watch every amazing thing she does or feed her every 5 minutes and I’m pregnant so exercise is totally not happening, for now. The ironic thing is just when I found out I was pregnant I discovered the fitness marshall on facebook and decided that would be the perfect workout motivation {now I’m actually sad I can’t do it for another 6 months}. So from not exercising properly for about 4yrs I’m now really looking forward to being able to do it once this baby has made its appearance. #teamIBOT
Sonia Life Love Hiccups says
WHO are you? You never cease to amaze me with your quiet determination. I shall listen to one of these on a walk tonight and hope to be inspired as must as you have been. Go you good thing xx
Tom says
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