One of the most common complaints I hear is, “I hate to exercise.” Regular exercise can add years to your life, lowers some cancer risk, strengthens bones and keeps your mind sharp. What’s not to love? Oh, right. In order to reap these magnanimous benefits, you have to actually do it. If you hate to exercise, maybe what you need is a reframing of your view of what exercise is. How about trying to have fun instead? To put the fun back in your routine, here are some tips to get you over the hump of misery:
Fitness and friendship. Join a group that does what you like. Hula dancing, square dancing, basketball or hiking…the list is endless. Try an activity that you think you might like and you might meet some new BFF’s in the process.
Return to your childhood. What did you like to do when you were young? Be a kid again when you return to a childhood activity you loved. I once had a client who returned to biking. She remarked that she loved the feeling of the wind against her face – a distinct return to her younger years. Along the way, she met other women and began riding with them twice a week.
MP3 your way to fitness. Try listening to podcasts or books on tape while you exercise. Nothing passes the time like being engrossed in someone else’s story while you burn those calories.
Join an exercise class. Many friendships have been formed in a group exercise classes. Try different classes to get a better idea of what feels good to you. Programs including Zumba®, Dance it Out®, and Jazzercise® are geared toward having fun and not giving a whip about what others think.
One little note – sometimes we have to work at having fun. No fair! But it’s true. Try a variety of activities with different instructors all in a variety of settings. That is how you will figure out what works for you and develop a personal plan that is fun and healthy, too. Here is to being a kid again!