Why aren't we more active? What keeps us
from realizing our good intentions? Certainly, not having time is a major
problem. We hear many ideas about how to add movement, activity, or (dare we
say it?) exercise to our day, but somehow those good ideas and intentions
rarely seem to materialize.
Generations ago, people's daily routine
required a lot of physical activity. Now, you don't even have to return the
typewriter carriage anymore! Technology has eliminated a lot of work from our
lives, so we now have to find time to be active.
Finding time for activity competes with
time need for our jobs, family, friends, shopping and all the other daily
demands.
Another factor limiting our activity is
that many of us feel tired after a day that had little physical activity.
Feeling tired actually is a symptom of inactivity as well as a reason for it.
Please believe this: A 20 minute brisk
walk will revive both your energy and enthusiasm for the remainder of the day.
It's hard to believe until you do it. And a walk takes the edge off of the
day's stress and frustration, while inactivity may keep you groggy all
evening.
To figure out what keeps you from
activity, look at what factors entice you to be active.
Activity needs to enjoyable, convenient
and affordable. Often we purchase the latest home exercise machine for
convenience, but find out after a week that it is far from fun. A very
enjoyable exercise like dancing, biking or swimming may not seem feasible in
your busy schedule, but perhaps it would be enough fun to draw you back to it.
The challenge is finding several things you enjoy doing and making them as
easy and affordable as possible.
What makes an activity enjoyable for
you? Is it being with friends or a chance for some quiet time? Is it a time
when you can turn your brain "off" or a time to challenge your
skills?
In general, starting an activity with
someone else, or in a class or team, can help provide the motivation needed to
get you through that tricky time between starting a new habit and considering
it a regular part of your day. Do you enjoy relaxation or a challenge? Your
answer is often based on what the rest of what your day is like. A high-paced
schedule may call for a lower key activity where someone else guides the
choices. A low-key job or schedule may make you ready for self-directed and
challenging activity or competition.
Picking a convenient time and place for
your activity can add to your enjoyment. There is nothing better than a walk
outdoors when you have been in your office eight hours straight. Do you prefer
exercising in the morning or evening? Some people like to be active to
"wake themselves up," while others prefer an activity right after
work to reduce their stress and burn calories. Others like an evening
volleyball or basket ball game for a chance to meet friends and get out of the
house.
Keeping activity affordable may mean
juggling the cost of aerobics classes or home exercise equipment. However,
many people choose "free" activities such as walking. Borrowing or
trading exercise videos or even equipment from family and friends is a good
way to try out an activity before making a major purchase. Even negotiate a
"trial period" when bargaining for a used piece of equipment from
the Sunday ads or second-hand stores. See if the equipment will work for you.
One last barrier to regular activity is
the absence of a good plan. Like changing any habit, a plan is essential for
success. The more thought and detailed in your plan, the more successful you
will be in starting and maintaining an activity.
A good plan will answer these questions.
However, a back-up plan is also very important.
What do you do when you can't follow
"Plan A?" Many times your original plan will be preempted. You may
have planned a 20 minute walk during your lunch hour, but your boss's
emergency request ends that idea or your child has to be picked up at school.
What now? Promise yourself a brisk 10-15 minute walk once the
"emergency" is over or while on an afternoon break. Then park your
car farther than usual from the store on your way home from work. It all adds
up.
