You want to be a fit person, right? That's why I'm sharing my own habits for keeping fit and staying healthy in the ongoing Habits of Fit People series. Here's one that works for me: Find something fun to do. So why does something like this matter? Exercise is often viewed as one of those necessary evils. You know you SHOULD be doing it, and you know that it has all sorts of benefits, from weight loss to better sleep. But often, just knowing that it's good for you isn't enough to make you work out. It becomes something that people dread. It's boring. It's hard work. And you'd rather be doing something else. You probably have a long list of exercises or workouts that you hate (mine includes the treadmill, most gym machines, and exercising alone). But instead of forcing yourself to do those things, why not take the time to explore things that you just might like, and then create a workout program based around that? Why it works: I think this is a pretty obvious one. When you're having fun, banishing boredom, learning new skills or simply enjoying yourself, then exercise becomes something that you WANT to do, not something that you HAVE to do. Keep in mind that there are lots of non-traditional activities and hobbies that can be fun and fitness-oriented. You could try rock climbing, joining and adult sports league, Nintendo Wii, ballroom dancing, martial arts, swimming lessons, playing with your kids, dancing around the house to your favorite tunes—anything that gets your body moving! My own workout program involves very few activities that I don't enjoy. I've discovered that I like Spinning classes (the group environment and great music motivates me), Pilates (it takes major focus and concentration), hiking and walking outdoors (it doesn't feel like exercise) and strength training at the gym (because I like to push myself). I also enjoy a good workout DVD now and then. I know that I'm more likely to work out and push myself if I take a class at the gym than if I do it on my own, too. Since these things are fun to me, I don't dread my workout time—I look forward to it! I think that if you want to exercise regularly, you should find something that you enjoy (or can tolerate at the very least). When you look forward to your workout, there's nothing stopping you from doing it! What's the most fun you've ever had while exercising? |
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