Why should playtime be wasted on the kids?

As adults we spend money on going to the gym. We spend money buying exercise equipment – much of which winds up being used as clothes hangers. We spend money on diet pills and diet books because we hate the idea of exercise. Maybe it’s time we looked at exercise a whole new way.

Do you remember recess when you were a kid? There were swings, monkey-bars, slides, and teeter-totters to play on. We’d play tag or dodge-ball. We were getting exercise but just thought we were having fun.

So maybe we need to stop thinking ‘exercise’ and start thinking fun instead. Think about activities that you enjoy:

  • Do you like to dance? Turn on the music at home and dance around your living room. I’ve been known to dance to my favorite tunes while dusting.
  • Do you like taking pictures? Consider taking a walk with friends in a park.
  • Do you have young children or grandchildren, nieces or nephews? Go outside and toss a ball around. It will be good for them too.
  • Enjoy talking with friends? Consider window-shopping in a near-by mall. You’ll be so busy talking and visiting that you won’t notice all the walking you are doing.
  • Is there a put-put golf course near you? While you’re having fun with family or friends you’ll be walking, stretching, and bending.

I’ll bet you can come up with one or two things that you enjoy which will get you moving without thinking about that nasty word: exercise. So, get out there and have some fun. You’ll get some exercise and get in shape without even noticing it.

Looking for another way to be good to yourself? Check out my post about yoga.