People who exercise live longer, healthier lives, and are less vulnerable to a host of poor health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. If you can find a way to work exercise into your daily routine, it’s a good idea to start. Unfortunately, even though most people believe they should exercise more, more than 50% of those starting exercise programs drop out in the first year. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8153498/
One of the ways to increase the amount you exercise in your life is to make sure that the exercise you do is pleasurable. Research shows that if you actually enjoy exercise while you are doing it (as opposed to feeling satisfied after you are finished) you are going to be much more likely to stick to an exercise routine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25921307/
Not to mention the fact that pleasurable activities, in themselves, make you feel better!
So, find some kind of exercise that really is pleasurable for you. For many people, outdoor activities may be a lot more pleasurable than going to the gym. Do you like to bike? Hike? Ski? Kayak? Walk? These are highly pleasurable activities for some people, and may be good activities to incorporate into your life if you can. Do you like group activities, like dancing? Join a dance group or take a class.
On the other hand, if you don’t really enjoy exercise, think of ways to trick yourself into enjoying your exercise routine. Find a fantastic podcast or a book on tape—and listen to it ONLY when you are exercising. Make sure it’s really good—so you can’t wait to get to it!
Finally, try to reduce the un-pleasurable aspects of exercise. For example, research shows that in the long run, very vigorous exercise may provide more benefit. However, vigorous exercise is often much more unpleasant! And it is very hard to stick to a habit that involves a behavior that is no fun. So, keep your exercise to a level that feels pleasurable. Don’t bike so fast you can’t take in the scenery. Don’t run so hard it hurts. As you exercise more, you’ll build strength, and will be able exercise harder while still enjoying it.
