Week 3: Make Fitness Fun — Again!

I had a client who was struggling with his weight but, unfortunately, felt about as excited about exercising as he did about doing laundry. We looked into his athletic past, and found that he had been discouraged with his physical abilities, which turned into almost like a fear of moving his body. We both knew that he would have to exercise to achieve his weight goals. Together we implemented a short walking program. He started with walks around his block, listening to his favorite music. I encouraged him to think about what that one thing was, which he felt strongly about when he was a child, before the fears started building. After all, all children like to play.

Eventually, he found his “thing”! I came to his home that evening and found him on a Dancing Mat in his living room! It was one of those where you have to follow a certain movement pattern to music on the TV screen. He was laughing, dancing, sweating, and a few months later he had managed to dance his way down to a 15 lbs weight loss and was still counting! I cannot express the change which had happened on so many different levels for my client, he was not only getting physically fit, but the joy and laughter about moving was back, and we had not even stepped into a weight-room once.

Week 3 Assignment: Have Fun!
I would like you to find that spark in yourself which makes you find the FUN in movement — whatever that might be. Of course it’s necessary to find something that is vigorous enough to be effective but then again, there is no need to step into a weight room or gym to get fit.

It might be finding a friend to walk with and share stories, maybe it’s the Dancing Mat, perhaps its borrowing the neighbor’s dog for a jog if you are a dog lover, or simply dancing by yourself to your favorite music. It can be ANYTHING, and the best part of it- you are the director of finding the FUN.

Now I want you to practice your new found activity for the whole week, just to make it stick, share your ideas with friends and loved ones, and even inspire them to do the same. Feel what happens when that feeling of having fun comes back to you. Does it make you energized? Do you want to do more? Are you looking forward to your Fun?

Please let me know how it goes and Live Life Loud!

Tanja