Hi, I’m a book nerd, and for at least twenty-five of the years I’ve been alive, I’ve been a non-athlete. When others suggested any type of exercise, I grabbed a book and mumbled, “I’m not athletic.”

Sure, my 13 years at a dance school count for something, but that was once a week and non-competitive. I didn’t practice at home, and I didn’t train at home. Basically, exercise was not on my radar.

I’m not athletic.

What To Do When You’re Not Athletic

1. Try classes with friends.

For me, the true breakthrough came while I was living in Austria, and I wrote Barbara Accidentally Gets Strong in Austria. The community of people I joined for Monday night fitness challenged my way of thinking. Moreover, I wanted to be the MIP (most improved player).

2. Follow active people on social media.

Personally, I know that when I see other people doing cool things with their bodies, whether lifting heavy things or standing on their hands, I become inspired. I itch to try the thing, too. And suddenly, the workout I was dreading becomes a step to meeting a goal. (I love following @catbradleyyoga, @jennamayezing, and @the_silk_storm)

3. Try everything until you find what you like.

In the past few years, I’ve tried Barre, yoga, Jen Ferrugia’s workout guide, strength training, running, aerial silks (love), circuit training, body weight exercises, kettlebell training, ballet, and even basketball. Honestly, most of these make me groan. But, I’ve found a few that I like!

4. Bribe yourself with _______.

Books, food, movies, a new outfit, a pet dog, a gym pass, ice cream, a trip out of town, an hour of doing whatever you want, new shoes, a 5k, a bikini competition, home fitness equipment, etc.

5. Be consistent.

A book nerd finishes a book by picking up that book in every spare moment or setting aside an hour to read before bed (sometimes losing precious sleep). If you decide to include working out in your schedule, schedule it in and don’t let yourself not show up!

6. Develop a good pep talk.

When I attended my first aerial silks class, the skill level of some of my fellow students overwhelmed me. Not only did they climb the silk, but they flipped upside down without grunting. At first, I was tempted to say to myself, “You’ll never be able to do that.” But, I stopped myself and started to chant, “That’s your inspiration, Barbara.” Maybe I wouldn’t do it today, but I’d get it eventually.

7. Ask yourself why you’re torturing yourself exercising.

If you can’t come up with a good reason, maybe you should stop. Of course, our bodies do need daily activity. For me, when I returned from Austria, I had to reassess my motivation. No longer did I just want to be strong, but I wanted my muscles to have an active purpose (7 Reasons I love Aerial Silks). I wanted to learn a skill through my workout.

 

Are you new to being athletic? How did your fitness journey begin?