Exercise should be an important part of our lives for a myriad of reasons, from maintaining good health to managing stress. For many people it is too reminiscent of school days and being stood nervously waiting to be picked for a team, or being made to run miles across cold, muddy fields. Let us look at how to turn that viewpoint around into something much more fun and valuable in our lives.
- Many people enjoy the commitment of joining a gym. They pay their annual membership fee and that in itself motivates them to get their moneys worth. By building it into their routine makes it automatic for them to go. They may well incorporate social interaction with going to the gym, meeting the same people when they attend regularly. Gyms often have many different activities under one roof, swimming, exercise classes, equipment as well as specialist classes like martial arts, yoga and over 50′s sessions. Many provide a creche too. So many facilities are provided by being a member of a gym.
- Think outside the box. You could get off the bus a stop early, or leave home a little earlier so that you can leave the car at home and walk. Use the stairs instead of the lift, or have a walk at lunchtime instead of sitting in the office. That is a positive way to break your routine, have some ‘me’ time as well as managing stress.
- Do things that you enjoy. There is no point arranging to do exercise that you do not enjoy. The least opportunity and it will be dropped, so find something that sounds fun and enjoyable. That way you are more likely to stick with it.
- Exercise with friends. Doing things together can be a good way of turning exercise into a social, fun use of your time. It is also a good way of motivating each other to stick with the commitment.
- Exercise with your partner. Sharing something together can enhance the relationship, provide a good way to add interest to your lives and be a way to have quality time together. You could have walks or share a bike ride. And this time could be a valuable alternative to watching TV and provide an opportunity to talk together.
- Vary the routine. Some people find the gym boring. So look for variety or unusual things to do that are interesting and different.
- Some people like outdoor activities in the Summer so look to tennis lessons, walking groups, hill climbing. Fresh air and exercise are a good combination and are an effective way of being in touch with nature and managing stress at the same time.
- Make it fun. It does not have to be going to the gym or attending a class at a certain time. Go dancing, take up a new sport, go for a game of ten-pin bowling.
- Set a challenge. Some people thrive on having a goal to work towards. It keeps them motivated. There may be a local charity event or raising charity money as a private effort amongst your group, or a personal goal to lose weight. Whatever works is good.
- Get a personal trainer. This is a way of having an exercise routine personally tailored to suit you, your abilities and fitness level, with your goals in mind. A trainer will keep you on track and vary the routine so that you do different things that keep your body challenged and working to improve.
- Eat well. When you are exercising it is important to drink plenty of fluids, eat well, feed your muscles and stay healthy. This is the best way to get fit, toned and positive.
Susan Leigh, Counsellor and Hypnotherapist
www.lifestyletherapy.net