So you want to lose weight but you think you don’t like to exercise? Read on.
We know nutrition plays the leading role in the weight loss drama, but exercise is still a supporting actor and is great for your general health. Why not try some truly enjoyable ways of being active? Let me suggest a few.
Movement of any kind burns calories. Did you know that ‘fidgeting’ can burn up to 350 calories per day? Even breathing burns calories!
Let our beautiful summer days coax you into your walking shoes. You could borrow a neighbour’s dog, or grab your grandkids and do some geocaching after lunch. As you stroll along one of the roadsides, you might find an unusual painted rock. Take a photo and post it on Mayne Island Rock Hunt, (a Facebook page.) If you want to burn up more calories, go for a hike on Mount Parke, Henderson Hill, or out to St. John’s Point. But bring water, and pace yourself!
Or you might love to dance. Did you know we have Zoomba classes on Mayne Island? This could be fun, but if that’s not your style, there is English Country Dancing which is more formal but also good exercise. And from time to time you can dress up in Regency fashions and have a Ball! Or you can do what I do and dance around the house to your favourite music, burning calories while drying dishes. (Housework burns calories, too.)
Speaking of music, did you know that playing an instrument can burn a heap of calories? Some instruments require more activity than others but they all get you moving. Think of Ashley MacIsaac playing the fiddle.
Okay, there are oodles of ways to exercise. You can ride your bike, work in the garden, swim in the ocean, build a sandcastle on the beach, play tag with the kids, substitute a Swiss exercise ball for a chair, play soccer, basketball, or softball, do yoga, lift weights, play tennis, join the ping-pong players, practice putting, try disc golf, or go for a paddle. Meet a friend for a walk instead of a coffee. You can still go for coffee afterwards. Set a goal. Get ready for the Terry Fox Run/Walk. Try something new. The MayneLiner lists many enjoyable activities that can get you moving. Have some fun. You might even discover that you love fitness classes, if you give them a try.
Let me say here that medically prescribed exercises should be followed. Casual exercise can’t replace physiotherapy. And please take care of yourself by choosing exercises that are just right for you, especially not so strenuous that you hurt yourself. That’s not fun!
You’re welcome to join us at TOPS every Wednesday morning at the Community Centre, from 9:00 to 10:00. We’re a low-cost self-help program that welcomes everyone. If you want to Take Off Pounds Sensibly with the rest of us, please call ...
Submitted by Amber Harvey
References:
- 40 Ways to Exercise without Realizing It: Make Exercise FUN! | Nerd Fitness
- TOPS Club, Inc. (TOPS News, July/August 2019/ members)