There’s a great episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm where Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld are mimicking Jason Alexander for his new book titled Acting Without Acting. Their premise was that he was still acting regardless of how he did it. Nonetheless, I’m running the risk of ridicule by naming this blog Exercise Without Exercising but here goes:
The definition of exercise is an activity requiring physical activity. This can be anything really; from walking to water polo. However, for many of us, fitness is viewed as a punishment. When we want to exercise more, we automatically join a gym we have no intention of attending. It feels like a chore rather than a hobby.
In my opinion, gyms are not a great way to exercise. I never regularly went to the gym until I was 26. And I was a lot fitter before this time. The reason for this is because exercise was integrated into my schedule. I would walk everywhere; to the train station, to the shops, up staircases. Moreover, my hobbies included football, tennis, and golf. I was very active without actually ever “working out”. Most importantly, this was all fun to me. Now as a gym member, my exercise feels like it’s condensed into 1 hour a day. Once that box is checked there is no need to do any more exercise. So, I can take my car to the shops or take the lift instead of the stairs because my exercise was done for the day.
To be fit and healthy we must become active. However, an active life style cannot be cookie cut into one designated hour a day. If it is, this time will easily be avoided. Being active is a lifestyle. To take steps towards an active lifestyle, we can dissect our daily routine to see how we can incorporate activity into our schedules. Are there any opportunities to walk places rather than drive? Can you take the stairs at work rather than the lift?
The true essence of exercise is enjoyment. So, find a sport or a physical hobby that you love to do. There are so many weird and wonderful sports out there. From 5 a side football to frisbee golf. There is even a cheese rolling contest that takes place every year in the UK! Whatever your interests, I am sure there is one out there that you will love.
Exercise should be fun and can be, believe it or not, effortless. They say you never have to work a day in your life if you love your work. Well the same applies to exercise. The key is finding a hobby that you enjoy so much that you forget you’re actually exercising. When you do, you may find yourself having to curb your enthusiasm for exercise.
Fitness in Your 30s 