by Harold Irby | Personal Trainer

We all have a list of our favorite things. It may or may not be written down anywhere, but you essentially know the things that make you happy. The list includes your favorite foods, music, TV shows, movies and even people in your life that you can't get enough of. This is the stuff you really enjoy, the stuff that makes your life worth living.

Somewhere also on the list is your health and appearance because you know that looking and feeling great can make a good life even better. 

The interesting thing about your list of “favorites” is that without fail, you'll always make time for what’s on it. For instance:

• When your TV program airs, you watch it or record it to watch later.
• When your favorite actor stars in a new movie, you do your part by going to the theatre.
• When you're hungry, you turn to your favorite foods.
• When the weekend rolls around, you do everything you can to spend time with the special people in your life.

Yet when it comes to exercise you automatically say, "I don't have time." You have time for TV, but no time for exercise...Why is that?

We live in an age where life is full and things are rapidly changing. So it's understandable if you feel like you don't have extra time anymore. This is why you have to make time. For instance:

• You make time for your TV shows.
• You make time for your hobbies.
• You make time for your friends.

So, it's time to drop the charade of, "I don't have time to exercise" and call it what it really is. An excuse.

You know how to make time for your favorite things. You know you want good health. You know you want to look great. You know you want more energy. Exercise delivers all those benefits - and more. That’s why I believe that exercise belongs on your list of favorite things.

How to Make Exercise Your “Favorite” 

For some of us, exercise is perceived as a dreaded necessary evil. So, how do you turn something that you dread into something that you enjoy? You can begin by trying the following:

1. Block the Negative: Your thoughts play a big part in determining your favorite things. Block out any negative thoughts you may have about exercise. Focus your energy on creating a positive attitude that will get you excited about hitting the gym, rather than dreading it.

2. Focus on the Benefits: With exercise you have so much to gain and nothing to lose. Exercise makes you stronger, sexier, healthier, happier, and gives you more energy. Pick the benefit that moves you the most and fixate on it.

3. Get Guidance: The easiest way to make exercise one of your favorite things is to experience it at its best. Get onboard with an exercise program and learn the most effective and enjoyable techniques that will get you into the best shape of your life.

Harold Irby is a certified personal fitness trainer and Mr. Michigan body building champion with over 20 years of experience in weight training, body building, sport specific training and strength conditioning. Harold has worked with many professional, college and high school athletes as well as celebrities and business professionals seeking a healthy and fit lifestyle through his personal training and fitness center Xtreme Advantage. 

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