We all know that regular exercise is good for us. However, because of this, many of us squeeze exercise into whatever 30-minute timeslot we have left in our calendar, after we have scheduled in the rest of our day’s priorities. Exercise in this way quickly becomes a chore. I don’t know about you, but when I do chores, I like to get the satisfaction of seeing the results – this makes doing the chore worthwhile!
When our exercise becomes a chore, we expect results. We place tremendous expectations on this 30-minutes per day to show us physical proof of our “hard work”. But since when did engaging in exercise become synonymous with working? Whatever happened to the joyful experiences of hula-hooping, bike riding, playing with your dog in the park, jumping on a trampoline, doing cartwheels or playing catch with your friend?
Exercise should be about enjoyable movement – appreciating the body’s incredible capacity for functionality, strength, flexibility and stamina.
So, how do you cultivate a positive relationship with exercise?
View exercise as active living. This means, incorporating movement as part of your everyday life, including play. Some examples of how to do this are:
Arrange to meet friends for a walk instead of (or as well as!) a coffee
Kick a ball with your friends/children/partner
Boogie to music while doing your house chores
Compete against your family on a movement game console
Walk or bike ride to places instead of driving, and take in your surroundings
Remove exercise from your calendars - stop scheduling exercise.
Try out new activities such as Tai Chi, line dancing, martial arts or roller skating
Consider doing activities that you used to do when you were a child such as ballet, softball/baseball, touch football, skipping/jump rope, body boarding or jumping on a trampoline.
For some additional support, you may find it helpful to read my blog ‘what should my goals be if they aren’t focused on weight?’ or ‘how to accept myself just the way I am’.
If you would like some extra support, book in a free introductory call here to find out more about individual dietitian appointments.
