Ryan's weekly healthy living tip

Tip #3: Do what you like and like what you do

When it comes to exercise, most people have a negative reaction to just the thought of it. I think this is because we have a narrow view of what exercise really is. A lot of people think they have to join a gym or jog 5 miles a day to get healthy. I don't know about you, but I have belonged to several gyms and I HATE going to workout with 100 other people who mostly seem like they are there to judge me. (They're probably not, but I'm just insecure I guess). My point is, I don't like going to the gym or jogging for that matter. So guess what? I don't belong to a gym anymore and I don't go jogging and I get more exercise than I ever have before. Personally, I love variety, so I do P90X in my house and I love it!! But what about those of us that don't like working out at home? There are many options out there, the key is to find out what you enjoy. Why? Because if you enjoy it, you will keep doing it!! What a concept, huh? Well, what are our options? Here are just a few:
1. Walk your neighborhood. (Be sure to try walking briskly, enough to raise your heart rate).
2. Take a hike. I love taking the family out (when the weather is nice) and hiking one of our local trails.
3. Ride your bike.
4. Do push ups and sit ups during commercials while you watch TV
5. Swim
6. Play tag with your kids
7. Join a recreational sports team.
8. Take a dance class
9. Do Wii fit
I could go on forever, but the point is to do something that causes you to move enough to raise your heart rate. Ideally, you should incorporate some type of resistance training into your program, but at the very least get moving and have fun doing it!! Anything you do is better than doing nothing. Try working your way up to 30-60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous activity.
PS. I'm not saying that gyms are bad by any means, they're just not for me.