Finding motivation for exercises you don’t enjoy can be tough, but these moves are often crucial for balanced fitness. Vijay A. Daryanani, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation, suggests that modifying exercises you find challenging can make them more manageable — and even enjoyable.
For instance, many people skip squats due to discomfort or poor form. Instead, Daryanani recommends "sit-to-stand" exercises, where you rise from a chair and sit back down, providing similar benefits with less strain.
Push-ups are another exercise people often avoid, sometimes because they recall gym class “punishments” or feel unsure about their strength. For an easier start, Daryanani suggests wall push-ups, which help build strength gradually before moving on to traditional push-ups. He emphasizes that quality matters more than quantity; maintaining good form can improve both your experience and results over time.
Bridge exercises, which strengthen the core and glutes, may feel awkward at first, especially if your muscles are tight. However, using pillows or bolsters for support can make this exercise more comfortable. Over time, adjusting these exercises to match your abilities can make them a rewarding part of your fitness routine, helping you stay active and reduce the risk of injury.
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