Posted 12-17-09

by Monica Ho Ehlers

People who don't see themselves as exercisers simply haven't found something that motivates them to move. Human beings are naturally active but sometimes it's our lifestyle or even personality type that can sabotage our ability to remain so.

Have you ever watched a little kid run around aimlessly? He's not trying to lose weight or stay in shape. He's just running to run. That's natural energy.

If self-declared non-exercisers shifted their perspective to fit their personalities, there'd be a lot more social butterflies in group exercise classes.

Fitness equipment and copies of the latest Yoga DVD would fly off the shelves because those who needed their down time would realize they could work out solo.

Multi-taskers could stay in shape by jumping on the treadmill while they watched TV or talked on the phone. Chatty types could walk with a co-worker at lunch.

What a sporadic or non-exerciser fails to see is that fitness opportunities are everywhere. They just have to know what it is they seek.

Being a parent should give us more, not less reasons to be fit. Why not try to look for the "active" in kids' activities? Moms and dads could help shag balls at sports practices. They could try walking up and down the block instead of sitting in the waiting room during a child's music lessons.

From Yogis to runners, there is one thing all exercisers share.  It's the "I can tackle anything" and "what bad mood?" feelings that emerge after a work out. It's what keeps any exerciser who has found their niche, coming back for more.

Comments Welcome!  ;)