Exercise is a 4 Letter Word

January 2010

This is the time of year when you’ll see and hear a lot in the media about exercise. There are lots of reasons why it’s good for you:
  • lose weight
  • improved strength and flexibility
  • stronger bones
  • better sleep
  • help prevent diseases
  • more energy
  • alleviate pain
These are all valid reasons, but what if you don’t like the word exercise? What if it sounds like a really dreary, boring thing to do even when you know it’s good for you? When you’d much rather curl up with a book or be like my friend who says when she hears the word exercise she washes her mouth out with chocolate? How about instead of using the word exercise we use the word movement?

There are lots of ways to move our bodies:
  • dancing
  • gardening
  • walking
  • bowling
  • playing in a pool (walking, classes)
  • playing with grandchildren
  • mowing the lawn
  • shoveling snow
  • and even cleaning the house!
I have a friend who puts on happy music and dances around the house. Another one bounces on a stability ball while she watches her favorite TV show. Whatever you do, it will work best if you enjoy what you’re doing, and you do it every day.

“If you rest, you rust.” says actress Helen Hayes.

I love this quote – for me it says it all. Maintain and increase your independence and control over your life. Forget about exercise and get moving!