Fitness Articles

 

Fitness with Fido and Other Easy to Accomplish
Exercise Routines
By Amy Phillips-Gary

Not everyone relishes the idea of spending regular time-if
any at all-- at a gym or fitness center. Clocking
calories, miles, or rpms on a treadmill or other electronic
workout contraption is not necessarily the most exciting
thing one can do with his or her precious time.

But perhaps your doctor has made it clear that, for your
health, you need to lose some weight. Or maybe your ever-
tighter clothing are indicating that it's time to shed
some pounds. It could be that you are graced with a thin
body but you'd like to not huff and puff when the elevator
at work is out of order and you have to use the stairs.

Whatever the reason you are being drawn-- or pushed-- to
focus your attention on your physical fitness, it might feel like
a huge undertaking. It may not be how you want to spend
your time and, if we're talking about time, it is probable
that you don't feel like you have a spare minute in your
day to put into getting fit.

You can incorporate fitness into your daily life without
letting other responsibilities go by the wayside and even
enjoy yourself all at the same time!

Here are some suggestions to get you started...

*Take the "long" way.
One day each week try this experiment. Take the "long" way
wherever you are going. What this means is that, for example,
 if there is an elevator and you aren't going to the 22nd floor of
a building, choose the stairs instead. You may end up
enjoying the stretch for your legs (and lungs) and decide
to take the stairs more often.

If there's a choice between an automatic or manual door at
the shopping mall, use your own arms to push open the
manual door. As minor as this seems, it all adds up.
Another way to take the "long" way may be to carry your own
groceries out to the car and decline the bagger's offer
just for the day. Each seemingly small change you make
when it comes to increasing the flexing, bending, and
stretching of your muscles can contribute to a healthier you.


*Fun with the animals.
Many of us live with animals like dogs, cats, rabbits,
hamsters, or fish. It may be tricky to share exercise with
your fish but our more active animal friends can easily
become fitness partners. Cats love to leap and jump.
Jog through your house trailing a ribbon behind and
your feline companion will most likely join in the fun.
It's hysterical to watch too!

Dog experts such as Cesar Millan, also known as "the dog
whisperer," stress again and again how important regular,
daily walks are for dogs. Not only is this beneficial to a
dog's physical health, it is also essential for his or her
mental and emotional well-being. Millan says that the bulk
of discipline problems can be eliminated or reduced by
increasing your dog's physical activities. You can spice up
your dog-human workout too by roller blading or biking.
This may take practice, but can be an enjoyable challenge
for you both.

*Engage with your kids or grandkids.
Have you ever watched your kids, grandkids, nephews,
nieces or other young relations physically playing? Whether
they are throwing a frisbee, a football or climbing trees,
they can be great leaders in how to exercise while having
fun-- and they probably don't even know it.

Even if the youth in your life aren't into sports, perhaps
they like to playfully wrestle or play tag. Don't worry
about others thinking that you are childish, because that can
actually be something to aspire to! Get out there and bond
with these precious young ones and remember what merriment
used to feel like-- and can again.

*Get out in nature.
The natural world of trees, plants, and flowers are
relaxing and soothing for many of us. If you live in a
more urban area, you may not experience nature as much
as you'd like to. Plan regular outings to forests or even nearby
parks. And, when you get there, don't just sit-- walk in
and among the beauty. You can breathe in deeply that
clearer air and pleasant scents as you briskly walk or jog.

You could even set aside part of a vacation for nature-
oriented exercise. There are beautiful bike trails that
run among picturesque vistas for example. If you like
thrills, take a white water rafting trip in which you get
to help paddle and carry the raft. Lounging around on a
trip is wonderful and can be just what we all need. At the
same time, consider balancing out the downtime with some
new and invigorating physical activities.

Of course, we all have different levels of fitness and
it's important that you choose activities that match where
you are right now. After all, you can always build up to
rock climbing if that's what you aspire to. The point here
is to open up to the relatively easy ways you can become
more physically active in the life you already live.
Opportunities to strengthen, stretch, and expand your
endurance are often right in front of your feet just
waiting for you to leap!
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Amy Phillips-Gary is a free-lance writer, homeschool mom and personal growth adventurer.
 

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