Making It Fun

We all know we're supposed to exercise. And sometimes that's exactly what makes it the easiest thing to put off -- the fact that it's a "have to" not a "get to." When something is an obligation, it's easy to put more fun and enjoyable priorities in front of them.

So let's change our cumulative mindset. If being more active (call it exercising if that term doesn't turn you off) would be easier to do by having more fun doing it, how can you turn it into a fun experience?

Spring is here -- maybe you could take a walk in your neighborhood...not for the exercise aspect, but to enjoy seeing the new plant life, blossoms, active animals -- whatever would bring you joy in that walk.

We can't all build a gigantic piano on stairs:



...but if you know taking the stairs vs. the escalator will give you more activity that day, then find a way to make taking the stairs fun. Sing your favorite song while you walk up them and smile while you're doing it! People will want to know what you're singing and laughing about and it will become contagious!

Find a friend to do SOMETHING with -- play frisbee, go to the gym, whatever! If it's someone you like being with, you're twice as likely to have fun.

Play -- a word from the previous paragraph. Playing isn't exercise, right? It's just fun. Find something you like doing and do it some more.

Go to the gym -- if you can't find a friend who wants to go on a walk with you, make a new friend at a group exercise class at your local gym.

Make yourself a new playlist on your iPod or whatever music player you use. If you use songs you love the time will pass more quickly.

What works for you?