The good news is there are ways to overcome our laziness. We can trick ourselves into regular exercise.

1. Don't feel bad about resisting exercise.

It's normal! Recognise that dreaded feeling as a normal part of modern life. It's much easier not to listen to that feeling if you know where it's coming from.

2. Don't do it for the health benefits. Focus on the fun instead.

Most of us enjoy exercising the most when it's social. Many of my clients have told me that boot camp is the only exercise they have ever stuck with. And whilst I'd like to think it's because of me I know that the reason people keep coming back is that boot camp is social and fun.

If a structured exercise class is not for you there are other ways to make it fun. Find a running partner or even commit to exercising together online. Make it a social event.

Sometimes the only way I can bring myself to do a workout is by listening to my favourite podcast. I love listening to it and that's what makes me lift those weights.

3. Focus on how it makes you feel

The hardest thing is getting started. You always feel better afterwards. Nobody ever regrets a workout. Focus on the way exercise makes you feel. Tune into that happy feeling you get after a good workout. Your brain will want to get that feeling again and might resist a little less next time!

4. Make it essential

Children have to exercise at school. Hunter-gatherers have to move their bodies to survive. Athletes have to show up to their training or they get kicked off the team.

What can you do to make exercise necessary?

One of the reasons I train every Thursday evening is that I do it together with my daughter. I want to be a good role model, I have committed to it and I don't want to let her down. Yes, sometimes I'd rather stay at home reading a good book but I never do.

5. Reframe it

Running is not my favourite exercise. I'm not particularly good at it and I NEVER feel like 'Yes, let's go for a run!'

But I like to keep it ticking over and it's sooo convenient and time-efficient. To help me get out the door I have reframed running as 'me-time'. It's a great excuse to get out of the house.

And guess what, I feel a lot less resistant to me-time than I do to running!

6. Keep it simple

Don't overthink it, don't go too big. To see health benefits even a little exercise goes a long way. Find something you enjoy and start moving.

Here's an example:

Every Thursday night without fail I do a boxing workout with my daughter. Why do we never miss it?

1. We accept sometimes we don't feel like it but that's normal.
   
2. We don't box for the health benefits. It's really good fun.
3. We know we ALWAYS feel great afterwards. We feel successful, happy, strong and emotionally balanced.
4. I have committed to it. I want to be a good role model and I don't want to let my daughter down. Sometimes I'd rather curl up and read a book but I never do.
5. When I don't feel like working out and remind myself that it's social time with my teenager. And I don't get a lot of that. I'd be daft not to make the most of it.
6. We have a coach who tells us what to do. It's simple.

Good Luck! I hope I've helped you start a new healthy exercise habit.

I am a qualified personal trainer and offer personal training for women and group exercise classes in Edinburgh. I also offer online personal training for those outside Edinburgh or who prefer to work-out in their own home.