During the 65 minutes I spent on cardio machines at the Y today, I read a chapter of tomorrow's reading assignment. Gotta love that. And that really is the key, don't you think? Linking exercise to something that you love.
My youngest, Margaret, went with me to the Y because she loves to swim. We picked up a friend of hers and they swam for about 1 1/2 hours while I worked out. Margaret loves to swim. She loves the water, the splashing, the moving through space in slow motion. Me, not so much. I'd like swimming, I suppose, if I didn't get so wet doing it. If swimming were my only option, give me the couch and a remote control, cuz I'm not going somewhere to get soaking wet, no matter what other benefits might be involved.
But I do love accomplishing two things at once. So, the elliptical and a book make sense to me. I'll do that gladly. I also like music and people, so fitness classes work for me. My husband? He'd rather take a beating than an aerobics class. Give him a headset and a good pair of running shoes and he's good to go.
My other two kids enjoy sports, so whatever exercise they do, they link it to their sports. When my son lifts weights (which he doesn't particularly love), he's increasing his strength to be better at the sports he plays. When my oldest runs, she's improving her fitness so she'll be better at tennis.
Exercise can be fun, and really, I think it should be fun. Swimming--not fun for me. Lifting weights--mind numbing. Playing sports--hmmm, no. But doing something that enables me to spend time with my friends, listen to music, or read a book? Bring it on.
Looking to day 7, planning to decrease,
Aileen
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(I'm just hoping that no one chipped their tooth when they went to the pool!!) =]
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