It is hard to maintain an
enthusiastic attitude about anything as mundane as exercise. It doesn’t take long before exercise begins
to feel like work and you harbor feelings of guilt if you even think about
missing a session. This doesn’t mean you
are a bad person and you aren’t alone if you feel this way. It is no secret
that half of the people who start an exercise program abandon it after 3 to 6
months. Even if you use a personal trainer, exercise with a group, or are lucky
enough to find an exercise partner, it is difficult to hang in there if you
don’t enjoy it.
A friend of mine and I walk
our dogs on a combined walking/biking trail once a week. We walk briskly and manage to solve all of
the problems of the world at the same time, but the highlight is in seeing a
group of elderly gentlemen bicycle by on a daily basis. We know that they are
out there every day because we pick different days, and they are always out
there wearing sweatshirts or tees that read “I am probably too old to be doing
this.” Well, obviously they aren’t
because they always have a smile on their faces and it is easy to tell that
they are having a good time. The point
being that you can make your physical activity enjoyable by adding the element
of fun.
Focus on making physical
activity fun. Remember to smile, talk
to people, buy a tee shirt with a cute saying and keep in mind that you are doing
something good for yourself. Experts
recommend that you do at least one thing each week to add some fun to your
routine. Play sports (it really is still
fun, even if you have to ratchet down a notch or two). Hone a skill; take up or improve your bowling
skills or your golf game. You can still
take lessons and working on new skills which will add enjoyment and make it
challenging again. Love music and rhythm? Join a dancing group or
class. You can find groups enjoying
everything from tap to hula or even belly dancing. It is okay to look silly and
it is okay to have fun! Pursue some
active hobbies like biking, canoeing, snowshoeing, bird watching or go
electronic (with a friend) and try videos and virtual games. It isn’t all about treadmills and dumbbells.
If you need a sense or participation or want to do something worthwhile,
consider participating in an event that is raising funds for a charity.
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