Just a few months after I turned 40 I decided I had to start exercising and eating right. It was a “now or never” moment. So I plunged in.
Two years later, I’m still at it, more faithful than ever (although the eating thing takes a big hit whenever my daughter is around to cook). But here’s the thing: I still hate it. I hate not eating chocolate cake whenever I want it. I hate making myself exercise, whether at home or in the gym. I thought that, after awhile, I’d begin to enjoy exercise. Or at least that I wouldn’t hate it. (I never really thought I’d come to love the eating right thing. I’d live on desserts if I could!)
I’ll admit I that I’m probably in the best shape of my life (or at least getting there now that the girl is away at school!) and that I feel good. So why is it I still dread that exercise time of day?
Believe me, you're not alone. I started working out and watching what I eat at the beginning of 2008. I've lost about 45 pounds. I work out almost every day — at a gym with a trainer 2x week and then at home the other days. I always like having done it, but I don't like doing it. This morning I was talking with a colleague who'd just come from the gym. She's been at this for about 12 years — she said it took TEN YEARS before she reached the point where she could say she actually likes working out. Oh my.
TEN YEARS????? *Groan*
That's what I said. I just about had to go lie down with some chocolate for awhile.