Learn From a Kid

One of the terrible things about working out is that everyone automatically assumes it's going to be boring, hard, and something they dread doing.

That is no way to spend your time!

We need to have a different perception when it comes to "working out." Yes, things like weight lifting are very beneficial, and absolutely everyone can benefit from it. That is why I always recommend some form of weight training.

However, when it comes to "cardio" type work, people automatically assume they have to spend a long time on a machine: treadmill, elliptical, bike, stair stepper, etc.

Well, here is where you can learn from a kid. Remember when you were a kid? What did you do? Did you run around, climb trees, play tag? While you were doing these things were you thinking, "I wonder how many calories I burned"? NO!!! You were having FUN! You were playing. You were enjoying yourself. You looked forward to those times.

That is what we need to bring back to "working out." As one of my professors said, "play with a purpose" don't exercise.

Find something you enjoy doing: biking, walking, hiking, playing an organized sport, tai chi, whatever it is. Find something you like and do that. In the end, it will be so much more effective than any boring routine you had to force yourself to do. If you enjoy something, you are much more likely to be consistent. And consistency produces results.

I plan on playing outside with my dog tomorrow. We'll run around, play with the soccer ball, and just have fun.

Remember, do what you enjoy.