Following bariatric surgery, exercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. However, many individuals struggle with viewing exercise as a punishment rather than something fun. Here are some key insights into how to change your view of exercise and make it something enjoyable.

Find Something You Enjoy: The first step in changing your view of exercise is to find something that you enjoy. This can be anything from swimming to dancing to hiking. By finding an activity that you look forward to, you'll be more likely to stick with it long-term.
Set Realistic Goals: Setting realistic goals for your exercise routine can be helpful for maintaining motivation and avoiding burnout. Start with small goals, such as walking for 10 minutes per day, and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your exercise over time.
Celebrate Your Successes: Celebrating your successes along the way can be a powerful motivator for continuing your exercise routine. Whether it's tracking your progress or treating yourself to a reward after reaching a milestone, celebrating your successes can help you stay motivated and focused.
Focus on the Benefits: Exercise provides a wide range of benefits, from improving physical health to reducing stress and anxiety. Focusing on these benefits can help shift your view of exercise from punishment to something that you do for yourself and your well-being.
Incorporate Social Support: Exercising with a friend or family member can make the experience more enjoyable and help keep you accountable. Joining a fitness class or club can also provide a sense of community and support.

In summary, changing your view of exercise from punishment to something fun can be a key component of maintaining a healthy lifestyle after bariatric surgery. Find something you enjoy, set realistic goals, celebrate your successes, focus on the benefits, and incorporate social support. Remember, exercise is not a punishment, but rather something that you do for yourself and your overall well-being.