By Michelle May, M.D.
www.AmIHungry.com A voice of reason for a society consumed by dieting, weight, food, and eating. Vol. III Issue 1
Being physically active is one of the best things you can do for your health and well-being. Fortunately, the options are nearly endless.
To spur your imagination, here are some fitness ideas from A to Z.
- Ask a friend to join you.
- Bicycle to work. Save gas and money while you spend a little of your own energy.
Bowl. Join a team or just gather a few friends.
- Classified Ads. One man's junk treadmill can be your treasure!
Coach youth sports.
Community Center. Look for classes, lessons, and teams.
- Dance! Go to a club, take lessons, or turn up the music when no one is home.
- Extra steps. Every little bit counts.
- Fitness centers. Find a gym that is comfortable and convenient. Pack your clothes and shoes so you can stop in on your way to or from work.
- Garden. Plant flowers, fruit, vegetables, or herbs. The digging, weeding, and trimming are good for your body and your soul.
Golf. Walk the course for fitness.
- Hike. Find nearby trails or venture out on the weekends.
Hire a personal trainer. They can help you develop a safe and effective fitness program and help you stay motivated to reach your goals.
- Ice skate. Indoors or out.
- Jog or wog (walk-jog).
Jump rope.
- Kite flying. Enjoy a beautiful day!
- Library. Check out an exercise DVD or book from the library.
- Mall walking. Many shopping malls open early so you can walk in a safe, climate controlled environment.
Mow the lawn. You'll both look better!
- Neighborhood. Ask a neighbor to join you for a morning walk.
- Organize a team or a league. Softball, basketball, volleyball are great team sports.
- Parks and Recreation. You'll find sports, lessons, ball fields, swimming pools, and other activities.
Play with your children. Rediscover the fun of just playing chase or catch in the backyard.
- Quick stretch. Take a few minutes to stretch at your desk several times a day to relieve tension and tone your muscles.
- Raise money. Sign-up to walk or run a 5K for a good cause.
Rock climbing wall. Try this exciting and challenging workout.
Row. Row a canoe, a kayak, or a machine at the gym.
- Senior Center. Most offer recreation, activities, games, and classes.
Stationary Bike. Pick one up cheap at a garage sale.
Swim.
Shovel snow. When you're done, surprise your neighbor and do theirs too.
- Tennis. Play singles or doubles—or practice your stroke with a ball machine.
- Use the stairs. Skip the escalator or elevator. You may need to start with one flight but it gets easier with practice.
- Vacuum your house. It's got to be done so why not boost your metabolism while you're at it?
- Walk your dog. You both benefit from the exercise.
Wear a pedometer. Count your steps and set small goals every day.
Worksite. Many companies offer onsite fitness centers, discounts for local gyms, and incentives for healthy behaviors.
- X-county skiing. Enjoy this great winter cardio activity.
- YMCA. Stop in to see everything your local YMCA offers.
Yoga. Increase your flexibility, strength, and balance while calming your mind.
- Zoo. Stroll around the zoo with family or friends for the afternoon.
With so much to choose from, the hardest part is deciding what to do next!
Michelle May, M.D. is a recovered yoyo dieter and the award-winning author of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle. Find more articles and resources at http://AmIHungry.com/
Copyright 2010, Michelle May, M.D. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint, email enews@AmIHungry.com
