05 Mar Is Working Out just another chore? – Benjamin Degenhardt
Just the other day I overheard a trainer-client conversation about setting up the next workout appointment. When given the options between two slots, the client said: “Let’s do it as early in the day as possible. Then it’s out of the way.”
It’s the “out of the way” that got me thinking, says Benjamin Degenhardt of 360° Pilates. While I recognize this sentiment from whenever I schedule my own workouts for an already packed week, is it true that working out is just another chore?
It’s probably true: if we could maintain a happy, healthy, and good-looking body without exercise, chances are we wouldn’t go out of our way to work out and stretch. We know about all the health benefits, yet some of us think of it the same as walking the dog on a cold and rainy night – something we know we should do, but don’t really feel like doing. So it’s important to remind ourselves from time to time why exercising is different from walking the dog, washing the car, or doing our taxes!
QUALITY “YOU-TIME”
Let’s face it: how often do you get to have some personal time, away from family, career, and assets? Exactly. Whether you are taking a run, pumping iron, or doing Pilates, focusing on nothing but the physical task at hand will get you in a zone in which you can put everything else on hold for a while. Think: work out = time out.
FITNESS IS WELLNESS
Ever spent a workout session thinking, “What I really need is a massage” only to find out afterwards that you didn’t need one anymore? No surprise here: exercising and stretching relaxes the muscles, strengthens and lubricates the joints, cleanses the skin and detoxifies the organs, improves the circulation and immune system, stimulates the brain, rejuvenates and energizes – basically it’s just like a visit to the spa! Let it be something you look forward to.
ENDORPHIN-RUSH
Do you know that amazing feeling after a really good workout, a sense of power, bliss, and instant stress-relief? This happens thanks to the release of endorphins, a chemical produced by the brain during exercise. It also occurs when feeling excited, in love, having an orgasm, or eating spicy food. Exercise is clearly your best bet if you want to schedule your next endorphin-rush (and rely on it.)
CHANGE YOUR POINT OF VIEW, OR CHANGE THE TYPE OF EXERCISE
As you see, there are plenty of reasons and incentives for you to look forward to your next workout. Still seeing it as a chore? Then maybe you are simply not doing the right thing! Try a different kind of activity, find something that you truly enjoy, independent from the desired results. We all tend to stick to activities that stimulate and challenge us physically AND mentally – and that are fun!
Of course, Pilates is my workout of choice, but at the end of the day – as long as you’re moving, it’s good for you!
Benjamin Degenhardt
Flex is honored to have the freshest new voice on the Pilates scene join us for five amazing days of training and master classes. Direct from New York City, Benjamin Degenhardt brings Classical Pilates to Hong Kong at last.
Inspirational and personable, a master class with Benjamin will change the way you approach movement, and free your mind from the perception of limitation.
