Exercise doesn’t always have to be “proper”…there isn’t just one way to get into better physical condition. Our bodies are designed to move, and our spirits are designed to have fun and enjoy moving.
So try doing something different. Experiment. Find things that feel good to you, no matter if anyone else thinks it “counts” as exercise or not, no matter is anyone thinks you look silly doing it.
This is not the time to judge on your appearance (or anyone else’s either.) It is not the time to judge based on your expertise. You don’t have to be “good” at it…in fact, if you are trying new things you are bound to be “bad” at some of them…if not all of them. Who cares?
The question to have in your head is, am I having fun? If you aren’t having fun…then try something else, but first ask yourself why you aren’t enjoying it. Sometimes we don’t enjoy things simply because we aren’t good at them or because we feel self-conscious about doing them. So give it a try, maybe in total privacy…can you let go of your ego long enough to just feel the experience? If you can, and you still aren’t having fun, then by all means, try something else.
Some ideas include dancing, playing on swings, bouncing a basketball, using a hoola hoop, playing tag, riding a bike, playing hopscotch…notice how many of these ideas have the word “play” in them…hmmm…moving our bodies and getting into better condition and “playing” are not mutually exclusive.
The point is to shift your idea about exercise. It doesn’t have to mean going to the gym and lifting weights or running on a treadmill or elliptical machine. Sure those are all great ways to move…but if that is all you do, you are apt to get bored. I don’t know too many people who think running on a treadmill is actually fun!
This month do something fun and silly for exercise. Don’t apologize for it and don’t ask permission. Just do it and Enjoy!
