My son Spencer is a dedicated soccer player, and has been competing for 10 years. What amazes me is that it seems like he never tires during games. Soccer is among the most exhausting of the major sports because you never stop – it’s jog, sprint, run, repeat. But his focused determination allows him to forget about the hard work and view it as playtime, which he thoroughly enjoys.
Unfortunately, not many adults maintain an intimate connection between exercise and playfulness. As we age, we think we’re too busy, too old, or just too alienated to engage in spontaneous play. And this mindset is detrimental to our health. Daily exercise has been proven (https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/physical-activity-fact-sheet) to significantly increase your odds against 13 different types of cancer. So, isn’t it time to embrace your inner 12-year-old and start making exercise fun again, so you’ll stick to it?
To reignite the joy of exercise, you need to use your imagination to transform it into “cardiovascular playtime.” The choices for activities are vast: walk under the stars with your loved one, fly a kite, go biking, climb a tree, hike, jog or run together on treadmills at the gym, swim laps, do aerobics, run on the beach, or build sandcastles.
Find activities that bring happiness, celebration, relaxation, communication, love, joy, creativity, pleasure, abundance, spontaneity, passion, peace, self-esteem, courage, and life energy. When you connect with activities that inspire those feelings, exercise will no longer be a chore.
Keeping it up for life
When you’ve found your ideal physical activities, ensure they meet the following criteria:
- Ease of Planning: Can be performed at a convenient time of day.
- Limited Time: Can be done within your allocated time.
- Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Allows you to stretch out first and cool down after.
- Social or Solo: Can be done enjoyably either with someone or alone.
- Energizing Music: Can be accompanied by the right inspirational tunes.
- Consistency: Can be performed regularly.
- Affordability: Fits within your budget.
Although staying active and keeping your body in shape seems like a physical activity on the outside, it is actually a mental and emotional pursuit. Your feelings about your chosen activities are critical to their success. If you love the activity, you will find the motivation to keep doing it. When you look forward to your favorite activities, exercise will no longer be a chore but rather a cherished privilege.
Make it a part of your lifestyle
To make exercise a long-term habit, incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Start by setting realistic and attainable goals, then challenge yourself gradually by increasing the intensity, duration, or frequency of your workouts. This approach will prevent injury and burnout, making it more likely that you’ll stay committed. Remember to celebrate milestones and track your progress, as both can serve as powerful motivators.
Here are a few tips to make a workout part of your regular schedule:
- Schedule your exercise just like you do work, chores, or social events.
- Mix socializing with exercise, meeting friends for walks or group fitness classes.
- Have a workout buddy to hold you accountable and add an element of fun.
- Do short bursts of exercise throughout the day if you can’t devote a long period.
Finally, remember to listen to your body and modify your exercise routine as needed. If you’re feeling tired or unwell, it’s okay to take a break. Just make sure to get back on track as soon as you’re feeling better!
In conclusion, transforming exercise into an enjoyable activity is key for maintaining a lifelong commitment to staying active and healthy. By embracing the mindset of play and finding activities that inspire joy and satisfaction, you’ll be more likely to make physical activity a cherished and consistent part of your life.
