Tag: workout

Routines that I have created for you to live a healthy life

Blogmas Day 22: My 2026 Goals

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Hello Sunny Siders, it’s Blogmas day 22. I can’t believe how close we are to the end of Blogmas!

As we get closer and closer to the new year, I always love taking this time to reflect and set some goals for the year.

In the few years that I’ve done this for Blogmas, I’ve shifted from setting a lot of goals to focusing in on a few to make it more manageable.

I’ve made this shift, as I read a book “The 5 Resets” that indicated that as humans we really cannot make more than 3 changes in our lives at a time even if they are positive. The brain struggles to adapt and keep up with more than three habits changes. The book recommends making 3 habit changes for 3 months before starting another set of habit shifts.

So you’ll see that while I have more than 3 goals, I won’t have more than 12 goals because it won’t be realistic to achieve them.

2026 Goals:

Phase 1: January – March

Drink my daily recommended amount of water.

I’ve had this as a goal for so many years now but it always seems to get pushed to the back. This year I’m starting with this goal and I’m going to stick to it!

Really start learning Japanese.

I’ve been doing Duolingo for almost 4 years and I don’t really feel that I’ve retained much or can even speak the language. In 2026 I want to expand my learning platforms so that by 2027 I can speak enough to get myself around Japan. Basically, I want to be able to order food, ask for directions, and get help if needed.

Replace my screen time with hobbies that challenge my brain.

I’ve been making a lot of progress towards limiting my screen time over the years. In 2026 I want to challenge myself to replace that screen time with tasks that require my brain to think and grow. I’m talking more puzzles, crosswords, and maybe I’ll finally learn to play sudoku.

Phase 2: April – June

Use the amenities I have available to me!

My apartment has a host of great amenities that I never use. I’d like to change that by taking advantage of the pool, the gym and my patio more often. I’d also like to try and attend some of the resident hosted events!

Re-learn how to do a press handstand.

I’ve been really enjoying getting back into old gymnastics skills and one that I’d really like to be able to do again is a press handstand. This will probably take longer than 3 months to learn, but this is the time of year that I’ll update my exercise program to start training it consistently.

Phase 3: July – September

Being okay with boredom.

This one has always been a challenge for me. I really struggle when I don’t have something to do. This year I want to learn to sit in silence and be okay with boredom.

Expand my art skills.

I run a small business sticker (and soon card) shop. I want to start expanding my digital art skills. Maybe I’ll take a class or maybe I’ll invest in a sketch book. All I know is I’d like to level up my art!

Phase 4: October – December

Spend and enjoy lots of time with family.

Some pretty big milestones will be happening in this final quarter of the year and I really want to make sure I am present in the moment to enjoy them.

Blogmas 2026!

My final goal will be to participate in Blogmas again for 2026! Since I’ve been doing it for a few years I’m sure some of the topics have gotten repetitive, so for 2026 I’d like to plan early so I can make some more unique content!

I’m looking forward to seeing how I manage to make these goals work for me in 2026!

Blogmas Day 10: My Exercise Challenge in 2025 and How it Went

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Hello Sunny Siders, we’re back for Blogmas day 10! Today I want to talk about exercise and how it’s changed for me in 2025.

2025 saw a big change in how I think about exercise. I started the year off with a coloring sheet my mom gave me. It had each month and day of the year, with the objective to color in a square for every day you exercised.

Given my prior toxic relationship with the over exercising, I wanted to find a way to partake in the challenge without reverting to old habits. To do this, I decided to alter the challenge to be a movement challenge. Every day I got movement (could be walking, stretching, or even heavy lifting) then I would mark a box off. This way, I could enjoy the challenge without becoming obsessed with high intensity exercise just to check the boxes.

For most of the year, I was really just following my prior year goal of 4 days of exercise, but then around the end of July I made a rather drastic change.

It all came from a day when I was lounging on the couch watching Instagram reels. I had discovered a new content creator who specializes in making bento boxes for her friends and was loving her cooking content. On one particular video, she was talking about her mom. Her mom was getting ready to run a marathon and while that was already impressive, what was even more impressive was her 3 hour exercise regime that she was doing DAILY!

This was a swift kick in my ass to get me to up my movement. I don’t go crazy with 3 hours of intense exercise a day, but I told myself if this mother could exercise for 3 hours a day, then I could get movement for my body every day.

And let me tell you, it worked. Whenever I felt like “ugh I don’t want to do anything” I’d think of her 3 hour exercise routine and get my butt up to go for a walk or to stretch.

I also started to find much more fun exercise avenues than just the basic cardio on a treadmill or lifting. I started getting into calisthenics, retraining myself to do handstands like I used to do as a gymnast. I also found an incredible YouTuber Move With Nicole for super fun yoga and Pilates classes at home!

These little shifts made it easier for me to get up and do the dang thing, and every time I did it, my confidence boosted, making me want to continue the practice.

I had a great streak going for 3 full months…up until I slammed my finger in a door and had a trip to urgent care (that’s a story for another time). But even when my finger was immobilized and I couldn’t do anything intense, I still found myself wanting to go for walks and stretching.

With all that, I wanted to share my current tally of days with movement in 2025. As of today, I have exercised 302 days out of the 344 days so far this year, about 88% of the year! I’m really proud of myself for sticking to this challenge and I can’t wait to see what my final day is on December 31st!

Blogmas Day 2: December Intentions

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Hello Sunny Siders and welcome back to Blogmas Day 2! Today, I wanted to take some time to set some intentions for the month of December. I love this time of year, but it is so easy to get distracted by all that needs to be done in preparation for the holidays. So this year, I am setting some intentions so I can stay focused and truly enjoy this spirited season.

December Intentions:

Spend 5-10 minutes every day reflecting on what I am grateful for (Blogmas Gratitude Challenge).

Turn on my holiday lights, light a festive candle, and drink some cozy tea each evening.

Remember to change my countdown to Christmas calendar every morning!

Bake treats for myself and friends. It can be our staple brown butter chocolate chip cookies or even to try something new!

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Expand our Japanese learning beyond Duolingo.

Try making another Hashira inspired beverage IRL.

Work on my Boosters Bookstore drawing.

Research holiday activities in my area and plan some time to go!

Continue with our daily movement. It can be a simple walk or an intense workout.

Nightly meditation to feel good!

Read some cozy winter stories in place of being on phone.

Make a list of holiday movies and start watching them!

Prioritize family and friends, it’s the holidays!

Having these as a starting place will help me to stay focused on what matters most to me, and hopefully will help to make this last month extra special! Let me know if you all decide to set any intentions for the month and how they go!

Blogmas Day 1: Gratitude Challenge

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Hello Sunny Siders, it’s officially December which that means Blogmas is back! For the new Sunny Siders, Blogmas is a time of year when I blog every single day from December 1st through 25th. The content is usually holiday focused to get everyone feeling the spirit of the season.

This is my 4th year doing Blogmas and usually I start with a workout challenge that lasts the entire duration of Blogmas. However, this year I’ve decided to switch it up and make a challenge focused on mental fortitude.

This years Blogmas challenge is a gratitude challenge. The goal for the next 25 days is to spend 5–10 minutes every day to take a step back from technology and the world around you and to be alone with your thoughts, focusing primarily on what you are grateful for.

I’m including some example prompts of what you can focus on during your 5-10 minutes a day, but the real goal is to pause and take time to reflect, so do what works best for you. That could be sitting in a quiet space away from distractions like a meditation or journaling your thoughts. Again, do what works best for you!

Prompt ideas:

List 5 things/people you are grateful for and why.

Reflect on something that happened today that made you feel happy.

Send positive energy into the world for those you love and care for.

Think about a time you felt calm and at peace, what caused you to feel that way?

What is something you are excited for during this holiday season and why?

Who is someone you are grateful to have in your life and why?

Reflect on a time that you were going through something difficult and how you perservered.

What are some things in your life that bring you joy? Why do they bring you joy?

I hope that taking a little time to practice some reflection and gratitude it will make each day a little brighter as we inch closer and closer to the end of another year.

Blogmas Day 1: Holiday Workout Challenge

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Hello Sunny Siders, it’s finally my favorite time of year…Blogmas! For those who are new to this blog for the past 3 years I blog everyday for the 25 days leading up to Christmas!

Blogmas always starts off with a workout challenge to follow along each day and this year I’m switching it up a bit.

You’re going to have two options, one is a workout with reps/time that will increase each day, with low intensity/easy on the joint offerings so everyone at any age or fitness level can participate!

The other one is a series of exercises that I’ve personally wanted to be able to do more reps in a row or do for longer, and this one is going to be intense. It’s not going to be a lot of exercises but it’s definitely going to push you!

The Official Blogmas Workout Challenge

Arm Exercises:

Start at 35 seconds and add one second to each exercise everyday

If 35 seconds is too much, feel free to adjust to a starting point that fits your fitness level, adding one second each day you do the challenge

Exercises can be done with or without weights depending on your fitness level

Pulse Up – extend both arms out to the side making a T with your body. Have your palms facing the ceiling and gently pulse your arms up and down (your arms should only move slightly not all the way up or down)

Pulse Down – extend both arms out to the side making a T with your body. Have your palms facing the floor and gently pulse your arms up and down (your arms should only move slightly not all the way up or down)

Forward Circles – extend both arms out to the side making a T with your body. Have your palms facing the floor and gently circle your arms forward (your arms should only move slightly not all the way up or down)

Backward Circles – extend both arms out to the side making a T with your body. Have your palms facing the floor and gently circle your arms backward (your arms should only move slightly not all the way up or down)

Door Knobs – extend both arms out to the side making a T with your body. Pretend like you are holding a doorknob in each hand and you are opening and closing the door (your arms should be stationary with only your wrists moving)

W’s – extend both arms out to the side making a T with your body. Gently bend at the elbow and bring your elbows to your rib cage, then extend back out and repeat. When this move is completed you should shift from looking like a T to a W.

Shoulder Shrugs – start with both arms hanging loose and your side. Then slowly lift your shoulders so they are close to touching your ears. Release and then repeat the process

Up and Overs – start with both arms hanging loose at your side. Then slowly lift both arms up and over your head clapping at the top before slowly returning to the starting position.

Legs

Start at 35 seconds and add one second to each exercise everyday

If 35 seconds is too much, feel free to adjust to a starting point that fits your fitness level, adding one second each day you do the challenge

Exercises can be done with or without weights or bands depending on your fitness level

Calf Raises – start flat footed on the group and lift your heels off the ground getting to a point that it’s like you’re wearing high heels. Pause at the top then release and repeat the movement

Leg Circle Left – extend left leg slightly out to the side making tiny circles forward and backward

Leg Circle Right – extend right leg slightly out to the side making tiny circles forward and backward

Leg Kickback Left – stand upright and gently lift your leg backwards as far as you can go while remaining fully upright then return to starting position and repeat

Leg Kickback Right – stand upright and gently lift your leg backwards as far as you can go while remaining fully upright then return to starting position and repeat

Crab Walk – find yourself a comfortable wide squat stance then alternate taking two steps to the right and two steps to the left while maintaining the squat position

Squat and Tap – find yourself a comfortable squat and then tap left leg out, back to center, and then right leg out repeatedly

Abs

Start at 35 seconds and add one second to each exercise everyday

If 35 seconds is too much, feel free to adjust to a starting point that fits your fitness level, adding one second each day you do the challenge

Exercises can be done with or without weights depending on your fitness level

Standing March – stand upright and alternate bringing your left and right legs up in a marching position, squeezing your core each time you bring a leg up.

Knee to Elbow – stand upright and bring your left knee and right elbow together by lifting your leg into a marching position and gently bending forward to bring your elbow to your knee, repeat the same motion with your right knee and left elbow

Side Reach Left – stand upright and gently bend your body towards your left side. The goal is to get your left had near your knee

Side Reach Right – stand upright and gently bend your body towards your right side. The goal is to get your right hand near your knee

Figure 8 – stand upright and clasp your hands together with your elbows flaring out. Then draw a figure 8 in the air with your hands engaging your abs as you shift from right to left in the figure 8 movement

Pull Left – stand upright with your right leg into front of your left and slightly bent. Then hinge forward slightly and bring your left knee to chest in a marching position. Return to the starting stance and repeat

Pull Right – stand upright with your left leg into front of your right and slightly bent. Then hinge forward slightly and bring your right knee to chest in a marching position. Return to the starting stance and repeat

The Extreme Blogmas Challenge

Plank: start at 30 seconds and each day add an additional 5 seconds to the plank time

Wall Sit: start at 45 seconds and each day add an additional 5 seconds to the wall sit time

Arm Circles: start at 2 minutes and each day add an additional 5 seconds to the arm circle time (can do a variety of arm circle exercises including pulses, door knobs, etc)

Push Ups: start at 25 pushups and each day add an additional push up

My Current Workout Regiment

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Hello Sunny Siders, I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Today, I’m going to be sharing my current workout regiment. As you know, much of this page used to be dedicated to health and fitness, and while the blog has evolved in many ways I like to do these check ins with you all from time to time.

Workouts have been pretty different for me lately. Many of you know I was a big weightlifter and used to exercise at least 6 times a week. Then, I shifted to a more relaxed schedule still focused on weight training but only 4-5 days a week. In both instances I was very regimented about which days I did and did not need to workout

Now, I am much more flexible with my workout routines. My current goal is to aim for 4 days of “intense” exercise. For me, this has looked like a lot of Chloe Ting workout videos. Being a full time employee leaves me pretty exhausted at the end of the day, but I always want to get in my exercise because it makes me feel good.

With minimal time, I’ve been prioritizing at home workouts and pre made workout plans because it takes out a lot of the decision fatigue and extra time that comes with going to the gym. Right now. I generally try to do at home workouts at least 3 times during the work week.

I’m currently attempting Chloe Tings 2024 Summer Shred Challenge through her new fitness app called Core. This has helped me to stay motivated and on track as I really like checking off boxes to complete things.

When I’m not doing at home workouts, I try to get in to the physical gym at my apartment at least once a week. I’ve been loving going there to do my own spin class. I hop on the spin bike and listen to a playlist of songs I curated that would make for good spin workouts. I’ve been having a lot of fun getting creative with this and I always feel so accomplished afterwards.

I haven’t been lifting weights for quite a few months now. I’ve been having some shoulder and joint issues lately, so I decided to cut back and focus on body weight and form while I continue to stretch and relieve my joints.

For the other three days that time not doing a dedicated workout, I try to get in some form of leisurely movement. Usually this is a walk around my apartment, yoga stretches, or a nice relaxing bike ride.

I love to prioritize rest, but always try to move my body at least once a day even if it’s just walking up the stairs at my office instead of taking the elevator.

So that’s currently what my exercise regiment has been looking like. I’m really enjoying having less pressure to lift heavier weights or having to workout on specific days. It’s fun to have flexibility in my schedule, and encouraging myself to see all movement as exercise has helped me to get out and do something every day even when I don’t feel like working out.

Some Very Exciting News

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Hey Sunny Siders, I know it’s been ages since my last blog post. However, I wanted to come on here and say that all of that is about to change! There are some very important announcements and changes coming, so I wanted to fill you in on the future of Sunny Side With Siri!

Essentially, I’ve been MIA for the last 4 months because I had the amazing opportunity to work as an intern at The Walt Disney Company starting in January.

As some of you may know, I was also pursuing an MBA so this was my first instance of working full time and being a full time graduate student.

Clearly, from the lack of content you can piece together what happened: I was so busy with work and school that I had to put everything else on the back burner for awhile.

BUT… it’s finally over, because in less than a week I will be graduating with my MBA! I am still working at The Walt Disney Company as an intern, but now I finally have evens and weekends to relax and do what I want to do!

I am sure you’re wondering, what does this mean for the blog?

Well, for the first time since I started this blog back in August of 2019, I am going to have dedicated time to focus on it! Starting today, I’m going to work to post one blog a week. I’m thinking these will be shared on Sundays as a fun way to start the week.

Some weeks if I’m feeling it I may post more, but I’m going to hold myself accountable to one blog a week for as long as I can going forward.

If you’ve been around since the beginning I used to do monthly:

Motivational Mondays

Workout Wednesdays

Foodie Fridays

Story time Saturdays

I’m going to try and bring these back as well. I am not sure if I’ll do all of them every month, but I am going to try and start bringing them back now that I have the time to do so!

I’m so very excited to start this next chapter, and even more excited to bring my Sunny Siders along with me. For now, I’m going to leave you with a list of upcoming content to look forward to in the next few weeks/months!

All About My Disney Internship

Working and Being a Student Full Time is No Joke

My Crazy Car Story

I Was Diagnosed With Stress: Let’s Talk About That

My Golden Birthday Recap

Current Workout Regiment

How I’m Preparing for Summer 2024

Day in My Life Blog: MBA Graduation Edition

What My Life is Like Post Grad

My Recent Thrift Finds

Welcome to Blogmas 2023 (Blogmas Day 1)

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Hey Sunny Siders, it’s that time of year again… Blogmas! If you weren’t following the blog last year, Blogmas is essentially the countdown to Christmas where everyday for the next 25 days I’ll be posting blogs! These blogs vary from recipes, gift ideas, and workouts, to holiday traditions and other fun surprises. I love Blogmas because it really gets me excited and in the holiday spirit. With finals looming around the corner, it’s a little break from reality that leaves me feeling excited. We’re starting off how we normally do with a 25 day fitness challenge!

This year, it’s going to be a bit different, as I recently injured my right arm. Therefore, I’m making an advanced and beginner version so that everyone can participate!

Beginner Blogmas Fitness Challenge

The goal here is to start with 10 seconds for each exercise and work your way up by 1 second each day up to 35 seconds. These are all body weight standing exercises and can be done in a small space. With any of these exercises, feel free to use the wall to stabilize yourself as needed.

• calf raises (lift your heels of the ground into a top toe position and then lower).

• side left leg lift (lift your leg out to the side and away from you, controlling it on the way down).

• side right leg lift (lift your leg out to the side and away from you, controlling it on the way down).

• left leg march (life your left leg up and down like you are marching in place. Make sure you’re engaging your abs).

• right leg march (life your left leg up and down like you are marching in place. Make sure you’re engaging your abs).

• squat pulse (get into a comfortable squat position and gently pulse up and down, this can even just be a gentle bend if a squat is too much).

• shoulder shrugs (lift your shoulders up to your ears and back down again).

• standing twisters (hold your hands together and gently twist from left to right engaging your core).

• standing oblique crunch left (gently tilt to the left side by lowering your hand down towards your knee).

• standing oblique crunch right (gently tilt to the right side by lowering your hand down towards your knee).

• extended arm pulses (extend your arms to shoulder length and gently pulse up and down).

• backward left leg lift (gently extend your left leg up and down away from your body).

• backward right leg lift (gently extend your right leg up and down away from your body).

• bicep curls (lift your arms towards your chest, squeezing at the top and slowly releasing).

• leg side step (slightly bend at the knees and take steps to the left, center, then right).

• arm raises (gently lift your arms to shoulder length then back down again).

• left leg circle (extend your leg slightly out and gently circle forward).

• right leg circle (extend your leg slightly out and gently circle forward).

Advanced Blogmas Fitness Challenge

The exercises will be the same but in a different order. Additionally instead of starting at 10 seconds, you will start at 35 and work your way up to 1 minute, increasing 1 second per day. Weights and bands can also be used if desired.

• calf raises (lift your heels of the ground into a top toe position and then lower).

• side left leg lift (lift your leg out to the side and away from you, controlling it on the way down).

• side right leg lift (lift your leg out to the side and away from you, controlling it on the way down).

• squat pulse (get into a comfortable squat position and gently pulse up and down).

• backward left leg lift (gently extend your left leg up and down away from your body).

• backward right leg lift (gently extend your right leg up and down away from your body).

• leg side step (slightly bend at the knees and take steps to the left, center, then right).

• left leg circle (extend your leg slightly out and gently circle forward).

• right leg circle (extend your leg slightly out and gently circle forward).

• shoulder shrugs (lift your shoulders up to your ears and back down again).

• extended arm pulses (extend your arms to shoulder length and gently pulse up and down).

• bicep curls (lift your arms towards your chest, squeezing at the top and slowly releasing).

• arm raises (gently lift your arms to shoulder length then back down again).

• left leg march (life your left leg up and down like you are marching in place. Make sure you’re engaging your abs).

• right leg march (life your left leg up and down like you are marching in place. Make sure you’re engaging your abs).

• standing twisters (hold your hands together and gently twist from left to right engaging your core).

• standing oblique crunch left (gently tilt to the left side by lowering your hand down towards your knee).

• standing oblique crunch right (gently tilt to the right side by lowering your hand down towards your knee).

Let me know if you decide to give this challenge a try! If you’re struggling to increase the time, do not worry doing the day one levels the entire challenge will also give you a great workout! And if you can’t do it every day for 25 days, please take rests and extend it until the 31st or even into the new year! You know your body best, so do not push yourself beyond your limits 🙂

Holiday Gift Guide For That Gym Obsessed Someone (Blogmas Day 5)

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Hey Sunny Siders, welcome to blogmas day 5! Today, I’m sharing my first of a few installments of gift guides/ideas. Today we are focusing on gifts that are perfect for those who love all things fitness.

Wireless Headphones

As someone who works out pretty frequently, one of the most game changing purchases I ever made was investing in wireless headphones. Now the cool thing is you don’t have to get an expensive brand. I mean you totally can go for some AirPods or Beats, but personally I got JLab and they are amazing for a really great price! Right now they are only $20 on Amazon, and I’ve had mine for three years and they are 10/10. Of course you can go the fancy route and get your special someone a pair of Beats over the ear headphones or the new Apple AirPods Max, but if you want to get a great gift without breaking the bank I recommend these JLab ones.

Matching Workout Sets

The feeling that a coordinated workout set gives when you go to the gym is unmatched. It adds such power and confidence to any workout. You can find some super cute sets on Amazon, or go the traditional route with Gym Shark or Luluelemon.

A Gym Membership

This one is a great idea for someone you know who is looking to start going to the gym, or even someone you know who works out at a particular gym. Now I’m not entirely sure how this works since I use my college gym, but you can either go to the gym and see if they’ll let you purchase a membership for someone else (like a giftcard) or you can just make your own little certificate saying you’ll pay for their membership the next year

Nice Quality Waterbottle

I personally struggle with drinking water. That is, until I bought myself a cute water bottle. Hydration is important regardless if you’re using the gym, but it’s essential when working out. You can either get one of the staple brands like Yeti or Hydro Flask, or visit a place like Marshall’s and try a more affordable option like Hydra Peak. Something super fun with this option is to find some cute stickers to give along with this gift. Find stickers that remind you of the person you’re buying for, that way they can decorate their water bottle with them!

A Quality Gym Bag

Every gym rat needs a nice gym bag to hold all their personal items. One with lots of pockets and space for all sorts of items ranging from shoes, to hair ties, to towels, to weights can come in handy when hitting the gym.

Foam Roller

I know this one sounds weird but here me out. I recently went to the chiropractor because I was having trouble with my knees. She used a foam roller on my KT hand and it was instant relief. Since then, I’ve been using one every day during my pre-workout stretch and it’s done wonders for my knees. The great thing about a foam roller is that it can be used on all the muscles to loosen them up and keep them from getting tight.

Toiletry Bag/Travel Hygiene Products

You’re gonna sweat at the gym and chances are have to shower off there too. Having a toiletry bag and travel hygiene products is something that doesn’t seem so important but really is. I am always so grateful for my travel carrier and four-in-one soap dispenser that keeps the process seamless.

Yoga Mat

You don’t have to be into yoga to find a yoga mat useful. I use a yoga mat for stretching and core exercises all the time. A personal yoga mat is nice because sometimes the ones provided at the gym are not very clean or upkept.

A Biking Desk

The last item on my list is a bit of a silly one and that is a bike that doubles as a desk. This one is perfect for that someone who always has to be doing something. Here, they can get their work done and their workout in all at the same time!

Since When Did We Start Using Exercise as Punishment?

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Hey Sunny Siders, I’m back with another post about a topic I’ve contemplated a lot lately. I am sure we have all heard the term “No pain no gain before,” and most often in the context of exercise. We have all tried workouts that push our bodies to the absolute limit and felt the after effects from it. I’m sure many of you, like myself, have been forced themselves to workout or do a workout they do not like because they “have to.”

I think this idea of exercise as pain is something we have all grown accustomed to. We no longer even try to change or counter this narrative because it’s been ingrained into our minds for so long. But, I actually think this “exercise as pain mindset” is not a very good one.

Over the past year or so I have worked to reframe my mindset when it comes to exercise. This all started last June when I was went out for a morning run. In 2021, I decided to make it my goal to enjoy running, a form of exercise that I despised. I made it my mission to run twice a week, every single week of the year. However, it was on this run at the beginning of June that I was thinking to myself “Man I really hate this. My lungs and knees hurt, I feel like my chest is going to burst, and I dread doing this every week.” It was in that moment, I finally realized that I do not have to do any form of exercise that does not bring me any enjoyment and only causes me pain.

So I stopped running, because it did not serve me in a positive way. It make my joints hurt and my lungs burn to the point I had trouble breathing the rest of the day. These after effects of running were not serving me in a positive way, and I no longer wanted to partake in this kind of exercise.

I bring this story up because I think a lot of us dread working out because we are doing exercises that punish us, rather than build us up and make us feel good. If you do not like running or weightlifting, there are countless more ways to move your body that might suit you better. Stop forcing yourself to exercise in a way that is not conducive to your body, and then you might start looking forward your morning workout instead of dreading it.