Fun plus fitness add up to good health

If I say the word “exercise” and all you can think of is work, sweat, stinky gyms, tiring, or just plain yuck, then have I got the solution for you.

You need to stay healthy and live longer. Let’s face it, you’re going to have to exercise in some way or another. The trick to exercising regularly is to make it something you can enjoy.

It doesn’t have to be impossible. Just remember your childhood. What was your favorite exercise or sport when you were young? Do you ever participate in it anymore?

When I was a kid, I loved to run, so when I decided to start exercising again, running was something that I gravitated to. I started with a half-mile and slowly worked myself up to much longer distances. Usually when I ran as a youth — I was either running toward something or away from something.

As an adult, the rhythmic pounding of my feet against the pavement and the beat of my heart is the only feeling there is. I don’t require a particular destination anymore — nor do I need to flee from an insane sibling. It’s actually rather pleasant to lace up my sneakers and start moving.

Your interests are going to be different than mine. You may enjoy swimming, racquet ball, basketball or walking. The key to consistently exercising is to select something you enjoy, something that doesn’t feel like exercise.

Because, let’s face it, when most of you hear the word “exercise” anything but the word fun comes to mind. It’s got to be fun to keep you motivated.

What motivates you? If you were never one to exercise, maybe you enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Have you considered using one of your breaks at work just to walk around outside for even 15 minutes a day?

The second thing you need for consistency is a goal — long-term goals, smaller goals and even smaller goals. An example of this might be a run from Sandpoint to Sagle. That’s a long-term goal. The stepping-stone goals for that are to run to the end of the block, then from Sandpoint to Dover and, well, you get the picture. Before long you will be setting and achieving yet another goal.

Another tip — if possible, find someone else to join you in your new hobby. It’s much easier to stay motivated when you’re not alone. If you find the “right” person, it can actually be fun — and the word exercise isn’t such a frightening word anymore.

Natalie Dreger is a certified fitness professional and can be reached at nataliedreger.com.