Why Must You Exercise?

For some, exercise is a passion. For others, it seems to be a four-lettered word, or in this case an eight-letter word. But, it does not have to be a dreaded event. Exercise can be fun. It can mean more than running for hours on the treadmill or climbing the stair master until your legs feel like Jell-O. You can get in shape by doing things that you love to do. Take sports for example, when you are playing a heated game of basketball with your buddies, it does not feel like exercise, but more like just a good time between friends. A good tennis match on a Saturday afternoon can help to relieve stress just as much as a good run around the track would.

Take advantage of your geographic location. If you are lucky enough to live in a mountainous region, hiking and rock climbing can be a great form of exercise that does not have to feel like a burden. Getting out into nature and climbing a mountain filled with beautiful trees, rocks and birds can do wonders for the body and the soul. There is just something about being outdoors that makes your body feel alive. Maybe you live away from the mountains, but close to the beach. There are endless opportunities to work out there. From strolling through the sandy beaches to fun-filled beach volleyball games, you can be shaping up without being stuck in a gym. And, if you are the water-type try your hand at surfing,  water skiing or any other water sport that gets you out of your beach chair and into the activities that can help your health and your figure.

Some other fun ideas to get active without the dread that you feel when you hear the word exercise are bike riding, skateboarding, swimming or dancing. Get a group of friends together, hop on your bikes and head out on a groomed city trail. Youll be riding, chatting, laughing and exercising at the same time. Or, take the kids to the local swimming pool. Not only will they love it, you will be burning calories right and left as you chase the kids around, attend underwater tea parties and teach them how to dive. Swimming is a great way to get a good work out, without feeling the pain of a good work out. Dancing is another fabulous way to sneak in some exercise. Whether you take a ballroom dancing class, enjoy tapping or just hit the clubs with your friends to dance the night away you will be sure to reap the benefits of shaping up.

Getting in shape can be fun, so do not let your negative connotation of exercise inhibit your body from the benefits of daily activity.