Hot Topic: Making Exercise Fun Again

Okay, so maybe it's been a long time since you've been able to do a backbend like this - but that doesn't mean you can't make exercise fun again. Walking is one of the easiest forms of exercise, and it can be fun, too.
So if exercise is on your list of New Year's resolutions, don't treat it like a chore. Think of it as an opportunity to play a little more, and become healthier in the process. The AARP has several suggestions for making walking a fun way to get into shape.
The counties of the Coastal Health District are home to some great parks, lakes, and beaches - perfect for a picnic. Pack your lunch and build up your appetite with a walk. Enjoy a relaxing bite to eat, and then take another walk back to your car or house. Not only will you burn off those lunchtime calories, you can enjoy some of our area's natural beauty as well. That's good for the body and soul!
If you have some shopping to do, don't look for the closest parking place to the door. Allow yourself a nice walk across the parking lot. And if you have a little extra time, take a walk around the store before you start making your purchases. It won't even feel like exercise, and you never know when your extra stroll might help you spot a good sale.
Some healthy competition can get you motivated too. Time how long it takes you to walk one lap around the park, then try to improve your pace the next time you walk. Set goals, and reward yourself when you meet them.
For more information on becoming healthier this year, visit the Healthy Living section of this website.
WWW Address: http://www.gachd.org/hot-topic/making_exercise_fun_again.php