Last week, as I stopped to talk on my phone, I had a clear view into a gym. I could watch the trainer working with two gym members. Both of the men being trained looked like they were there because they had lost a bet.

Despite the pounding music, it was obvious to me that nobody was having a good time, not even the trainer. I say this because he would task his two trainees with an exercise, and then check his phone. Really?

I could see one man struggling with an exercise designed to strengthen abs. I made a mental note to try the exercise at home, and trust me, it was not easy to do. Gradually, the man’s efforts became weaker, he lost his form, and if there had been a thought bubble over his head, I’m sure it would have read something like, “I hate this.”

From my, ahem, comfortable and stationary vantage point, nobody was doing their job. It was obvious the trainer could have, should have, been beside his trainees giving encouragement. After all, there was no one else in the gym to demand his attention — let’s not count his phone.

All three participants in this vignette were not ‘in the moment’. I’m not a trainer but I know enough about exercising to know one thing. You have to ‘give over’ to being present. You’re there, you’re dressed for it, you might as well focus on being there and forget about how much you hate it. Exercise like you mean it.

Which could be a mantra for just about any task any of us dislike, or even like but find ourselves doing. Cook like you mean it, do the dishes like you mean it. 

…Full disclosure, I sometimes exercise like I don’t mean it.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog.  Your comments, questions, ideas and suggestions are always welcome.  You can comment here, or choose between Facebook, Twitter, or the contact button.  

Anne Milne is an every Sunday blogger.  I keep it short and to the point.  Topics are as wide ranging as a straight but not narrow path.