Exercise, workout, get in shape, lose weight. These words, or statements, can easily cause someone to get fearful and go into hiding in an attempt to avoid the activity. Why? What made exercising such a daunting task?

I truly believe it is a result of the way we think about exercise and our attitude when we embark on a program or routine. When we think fitness we automatically think Gym! Membership! Fit People! Drive! Judgment" Embarrassment! While some of that may be true, fitness can actually be fun, believe it or not.

Erase Negative Thoughts

Who says you have to be confined to the walls of a gym? Why do you have to conform to the standards of others? Who says 60 minutes on the treadmill is the only way to burn fat? Do yourself a favor right now. Erase your negative thoughts as they relate to fitness and getting in shape. That is the first key and most important aspect of actually enjoying the journey of becoming healthier.

Find Something Exciting

I'm so grateful for the recent success of the infomercial P90X. It has exposed millions of people to the joys of hard, effective, and creative workouts that anyone can do from the privacy of their own home. I've personally never done P90X, but I know plenty who have, nor am I selling you on the program. I'm simply stating that when someone grabs a hold of something that excites them, and they are being instructed by someone they like (and not being judged) suddenly a light of hope comes on and exercise somehow becomes enjoyable. Especially when the results start to manifest.

Try Anything

We live in a day and age of creative and passionate people who are willing to share information, motivation, and energy. Take advantage of that and find what works for you. Trust me, there is something out there for you; it' s simply a matter of "connecting." Maybe you have found it on this site; maybe there is an article or video that suddenly awoke something that was buried deep down inside. Jump on it and get started, don't wait, and for goodness sakes, don't create a self-imposed roadblock by saying, "I hate to exercise" or something to that effect. I don't care if you need to lose 100 pounds or want to gain 50 lbs of muscle, there is a fit and healthy person living inside the body that you may not appreciate at the moment. Embrace yourself now, enjoy the uniqueness that only you possess, and you will immediately see things start to change.

Reinforce Positive Thoughts

Do me a favor: stop whatever you are doing right now and say this: "I am so happy and grateful that I am a healthy and fit person and that I'm enjoying my exercise and nutritional program." You could actually change that to whatever statement you want, just make sure it reinforces something positive and happy, especially if that is not the way you currently feel. Repeat that statement many times throughout the day and you will instantly begin to see a change in the way you think about exercise and food. Have fun!