by Steve Robinson

Created on: January 22, 2010

Have you ever wondered how some people can stick to an exercise program while others can’t? Since you are reading this article I think you have. There are two types of people who achieve long term exercise success, splitting the world of fitness in half; those who simply love to sweat and grind and those who have found their personal fitness calling. Everyone else either doesn’t try or look on in aguish and sometimes disgust, that others can succeed where they cannot.

People who get into exercise don’t even call that; they call it training. They get off on seeing what they are capable of and will push themselves relentlessly in pursuit of personal understanding. Most of these people can excel in any physical endeavor but not from an acquired level of skill but from sheer determination. In sports, when two people of equal skill oppose one another, it is the one who processes this unrelenting attitude that most often prevails.

Lance Armstrong has a physique destined to do great things in any sport that requires an abundance of cardiovascular strength. Yet nearly all cycling competitors on an elite level  possess similar qualities. The difference is Lance’s determination to go beyond what others are willing to give and though it is on a much smaller scale, many people who stick with an exercise program do so because they have a will to push themselves.

Others who stick with an exercise program long term simply love whatever it is they do. Do you remember when there were no personal computers, internet, or even video games? Back then kids played outside and without even realizing it, they burned a tremendous number of calories. The key phrase is “without even realizing it”. Exercise programs, no matter how great they are, are useless if you don’t stick with them.

The key to continuing to exercise over the long haul is to choose an exercise that you absolutely love to do; period! It matters little whether you choose badminton or square dancing, if you love your activity you will make excuses to do it rather than not to. As long as you choose something that is active you will get the same results that computer-less kids once got; an exercise that you don’t even realize you are doing.

So unless you like working out just to work out, the best way no, the ONLY way to stick to an exercise program long term is to choose something that you truly enjoy. The great thing is there are so many opportunities out there that just trying a bunch out may be just the ticket to your exercise success.

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