A regular exercise regimen is arguably the best way to avoid certain diseases. Despite this, there is a segment of the population that just does not enjoy working out.
“Some excuses I hear are time—they don’t have any availability in their schedule after work because they have a busy life. They’re working too late or are too tired when they get off work. They don’t have access to a gym. Really anything in the book, I get an excuse for,” said Ryan Bojrab, manager of the Eskenazi Health Wellness Department and the Healthy Me program.
Fitness trainer Renee Pillow has heard the same excuses and said for those who dislike exercising, the choice is simple.
“You have to make the decision for your health. In order to be healthy you have to do more than just go to work and come home,” said Pillow. “And most of us have a grandma or uncle that has high blood pressure, diabetes or died prematurely. Regardless if you like it or not, you’re going to have to start doing it.”
Bojrab adds that everyone has the same 24 hours in a day and everyone is busy, yet this shouldn’t hinder taking 30 minutes out of one’s day to exercise. This time also doesn’t have to be in a gym, but could be spent walking or another fun, athletic activity. People can take the stairs instead of the elevator or park their car far away from an entrance.
For Pillow, the gym was the best place for her to begin her weight loss journey.
Pillow was a licensed dental hygienist and said between her career and having children she gained weight. She was unhappy with how she looked and decided to make a change.
“I started going to the gym and with that came working out with the guys. I started lifting a lot and the next thing I know, I’m doing competitions,” said Pillow.
Others saw her transformation and wanted to know how she not only lost weight, but sculpted her body. She started training friends and today owns “F.I.T. With Renee,” a personal training business.
Experts know everyone’s level of motivation is different, but for those who dislike working out, step one begins in the mind—one has to make the choice to make a change.
Pillow said people should become knowledgeable in how they want to change and can look to a personal trainer for guidance and accountability. She also suggest making exercise a part of one’s daily schedule.
Pillow discourages beginners from purchasing work out videos as a way to begin exercise regimens. Not only is there a lack of accountability, but certain exercises featured on television can cause injury if done incorrectly.
“Go to the gym and get on the treadmill or the elliptical. You need to start with some cardio to get your endurance up and prepared for other kinds of workouts,” said Pillow.
When looking for a gym, she said it should be conveniently located near one’s home or job and one that meets their level of activity. She said Planet Fitness is excellent for a beginner, while gyms like L.A. Fitness and Lifetime are good for those who want to take their workout to the next level.
Bojrab reminds people to consider other forms of exercise to get moving, such as rowing, bike riding or Zumba.
“Initially it’s hard, but the more you do it, the easier it gets. And the more you see your body change, the more you want it,” encouraged Pillow.
Bojrab also suggests Eskenazi Health patients look into the Healthy Me program. The free program pairs patients with a wellness coach that offers support and help provide and individualized plan. They also are able to access support groups; healthy recipes and cooking demonstrations; low impact and chair exercise classes; free gym memberships and more.
For Black women who dislike working out because it ruins their hair, Pillow said they should “get over it” and look for workout friendly hairstyles.
One can’t discuss exercise without discussing diet. Experts say diet is just as important, if not more, to living a healthy lifestyle.
“You are not going to build a great body unless you have a good foundation and that is proper nutrition. Learn how to eat healthy, clean meals. Always have a glass of water by your bed and drink water all day long,” said Pillow. “If you have a great diet, the rest is easy.”
For diet tips, Bojrab said a good place to start is the United States Department of Agriculture “My Plate” model which encourages proper portions of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy.
While there are people who dislike working out, Bojrab said there is also a segment of the population that at one point in time was active, but as they aged, their activity slowed down. He encourages this group to get back active by visualizing that time in their life, remember the activity and do their best to replicate that activity or something else they enjoy doing.
“Once you get over the hump of not wanting to work out or ‘it’s been so long since I’ve worked out,’ your whole life changes,” said Bojrab.
For more information on F.I.T. With Renee, log on to fitwithrenee.com. For info on Eskenazi Health’s Healthy Me program, visit a local Eskenazi health center or go online to eskenazihealth.edu/our-services/healthyme/locations-and-information. USDA nutrition guidelines can be accessed at ChooseMyPlate.gov.
