When you were young physical activity came easily as you didn’t think about exercising. Movement was accumulated and energy was burnt climbing over the playground equipment, running around the park and playing sports with friends. If as an adult the thought of breaking a sweat gives you nightmares, it might be time to rethink exercise and come up with some fun ways to keep active. 

It’s recommended that adults reach 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week. Reaching 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week will help you to reach the minimum of that range. If you don’t choose an activity you like, it won’t be long before you are back to sitting on the couch. You’ll get the most out of physical activities that you enjoy, and you’ll keep coming back for more.

Following are some interesting ideas about how to make exercise fun:

• Make walking fun with technology. There are numerous apps for your phones that can help to track your progress or even make a game of your walk like Pokemon GO and Zombies, Run!
• Grab some equipment like a frisbee, rugby ball, or soccer ball and head down to the park to have a throw and catch. 
• Take your dog, or borrow a friend’s dog, and go on regular walks or attend the various dog meet-up groups. 
• Make your walks more interesting than just going around the block and try going on a hike through the many beautiful tracks and waterways around South-East Queensland. 
• Instead of meeting a friend just for lunch or coffee make it an active catch-up. Go for a walk or try to incorporate new activities like paddle boarding or bike riding each time to keep it interesting. 

If you have any questions about the specifics about building an exercise routine feel free to come and see one of our exercise physiologists who can assist in creating an individualised exercise program for you.