What are some other ways to get movement in? I hear it all of the time. “I don’t have time to work out. I don’t like exercise. The gym is too much money. I’ve got kids. I did it for awhile…” Did I miss anything?

Not everyone likes to exercise. Not everyone is an athlete. We are all unique individuals with our own strengths and limitations. It is fabulous that we are all different! We all complement each other. But what if you are one of those people that just don’t like to work out? What if have all of the other priorities vying for your attention?

Well, let’s talk about some other FUN ways to get movement in! Because guess what- our bodies are our temples. Even though we may not like to formally exercise or play sports- we still need to take care of them. And eating healthy is one way, but it is not the total picture. Remember… I believe in multiple aspects going into our total well being.

So let’s do something FUN here… haha, no pun intended! Let’s take each one of the “myths” above and debunk them one by one.

• I don’t have time to work out. Well, yes. Yes you do. I will remind you of one of my favorite quotes here:

“Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo Da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.” -H. Jackson Brown

Enough said? Time really is just how we prioritize. Maybe exercise just isn’t up there on your list of important things to do. Any maybe because you don’t enjoy it, don’t want to pay for it, or don’t see results. If this is the case- of course you don’t have time for it! So let’s move on to the other myths…

• I don’t like to exercise. I hear you. As I shared above- not everyone is athletic or into formal exercise. But what do you like? Do you like to dance- line dance, square dance, cha-cha, etc? Do you like to shop? (Walking the mall is still walking!). Do you like to swim? And maybe not formally swim- but I know after a day of playing in the ocean I am totally sore and wiped out! There are also active activities like kayaking, bicycling, or hiking. Even cleaning the house… is movement! Find what is fun for you- and just move that body!!
• The gym is too much money. Yes, I hear you. But that is not an excuse that can get in the way of exercise. The park is free. The sidewalk is free. The local school track is typically on-limits and you can borrow some time there. So money should never, ever be a reason not to move the body. It is just another excuse because maybe you have not enjoyed yourself or seen results before.
• I have kids. Awesome! Kids are the natural energizer bunnies! Chase them around. Take them to the park. Play on the swings with them. Wrestle, roll, and run. I mean- play with your children. Don’t just take them to the park and sit back gossiping with the other moms. Get out there and run around! Not only is it good for your physical health because you are moving that body… it is great for mental, emotional, and spiritual health. You connect with your inner child. You laugh. You use your imagination again. You let go of worry and fear. Become one of your kids for a bit of your day!

Great, great stuff. Ok so now I never want to hear it again! There is no reason not to move that body. Find what is FUN for you. Get your family and friends involved. Find the free places and spaces. And go run around!!

What are some other healthy ideas you have for getting movement in? What can you add to the list of FUN and healthy ways to move your body? I’d love to hear some other ideas so I can add some more to my tool-kit of self-care suggestions!