Don't exercise if you hate it!!!

If you're one of the many people who want to hide at the thought of 'working out', if running, cycling, going to the gym, doing classes just does not float your boat - BUT you think you SHOULD do it because you know you need to loose weight / get healthy ..... don't do it!!

The MOST important thing in weight loss, or improving health and fitness is your state of mind. If you're hating every minute of what you're doing, if you dread having to do it, then you just won't get the full benefit of it. You'll feel stressed and unhappy - and stress and unhappiness are two big barriers to achieveing those goals.

So - find something you do love! Something that makes you laugh, makes you feel calm, gives you an escape. If you hate running but do enjoy walks in the park, then walk! Lots! Change your routine just a little to get off the bus a stop too early and walk the last bit - just that once change can make a big difference. If you really don't like the idea of going to a gym and lifting weights then perhaps outdoors bootcamps might work for you? Or yoga... yoga requires a huge amount of strength and helps 'tone' muscle plus improve flexibility (not to mention the benefits to mental well-being it offers). If you want to cyce but are nervous of the roads - find a local club (there are loads for all levels). If you think you'd hate joining fitness group classes - how about dance classes? (Thinking Strictly here!!)

Think about being ACTIVE - not 'exercising'. Movement of any kind is what's needed most of all - so even walking round the shops for several hours on a Saturday counts - it's movement afterall !! But find something that gives you MORE than just moving, something that brings you together with friends, or takes you away for some quiet 'me' time, something that leaves you feeling rejuvinated and wanting more - whatever that thing is - do THAT!